Sad reports have surfaced about astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore even before their return to Earth. After spending nine months in space, the duo may face health complications once they land. While difficulty in walking is expected, doctors are particularly worried about the increased chances of vision problems.
Having completed 286 days in orbit, Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch are now on their way home. Their return has created excitement in both America and India, with people eagerly awaiting their safe landing, scheduled for Wednesday morning at 3:30.
After undocking from the space station, Sunita and Butch are finally heading back to Earth. However, their journey is not without challenges. Following such a long stay in space, they are likely to face several physical and medical issues during recovery. In this article, we will take a closer look at the difficulties Sunita might encounter as she readjusts to life on Earth.
Possible difficulties awaiting Sunita Williams back on Earth
Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, who has now completed a mission lasting 9 months and 13 days, is preparing to return to Earth. She will be accompanied by her colleague Butch Willmore and tow other members of the nine-person space station crew.
Their spacecraft is expected to land off the coast of Florida on March 19, around 3:30 a.m. However, after spending such a long time in space, Sunita and Butch could face multiple health complications upon re-entry. These include trouble walking, bone density loss, a weakened immune system, and even possible vision problems.
One of the main concerns is a condition informally referred to as ”baby foot.” This describes the difficulty astronauts often experience when trying to walk again after extended periods in microgravity. For Sunita and Butch, adjusting back to Earth’s gravity may be one of the toughest parts of their journey home.
Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao explained that in the weightless environment of space, the calluses on astronauts’ feet gradually fade away. Without the constant pressure of walking, the thick protective skin diminishes, leaving their feet softer and more sensitive. Alongside this, spending such a long microgravity can also cause muscle weakness.
Because of this, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may return with feet as delicate as a child’s. Their immune system could also be compromised after nine months in orbit, making it harder for their bodies to fight infections. The shift back to Earth’s gravity may temporarily disrupt their sense of balance as well.
Extended stays in microgravity particularly affect muscles in the lower back and legs, Which tend to lose strength without regular weight-bearing activity. According to the vice chair of aerospace medicine at the University of Central Florida, this prolonged exposure can significantly weaken the immune system, putting astronauts at a higher risk of illness once they are back on Earth.
Mental and Heart Concerns
After living in orbit for nine months, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may struggle not only with physical recovery but also with mental well-being and heart health. Experts point out that astronauts often experience emotional strain—such as uneasiness, restlessness, or mood changes—while adapting to life back on Earth. Extended exposure to microgravity can also place extra pressure on the cardiovascular system.
In the absence of gravity, the human heart tends to shift in shape, becoming more rounded rather than its usual oval from. This alteration may raise the chances of cardiovascular complications once astronauts return to Earth’s stronger gravitational pull.
Another major concern is vision. Specialists caution that astronauts could develop a condition known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), in which shifts in bodily fluids increase pressure inside the skull. This pressure can affect the eyes, sometimes leading to swelling and even partial vision impairment.
Nine Months Later, Sunita Williams Ready to Journey Back Home
After spending nine long months aboard the International Space Station, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally preparing to come back to Earth. Their landing is scheduled for tomorrow on the coast of Florida, with the journey home taking place in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The Dragon capsule has already arrived at the station to bring the astronauts back, and the remarkable part is that people around the globe will be able to witness the return live. Sunita and Butch first traveled to the ISS in June last year.
Originally, the two had gone up aboard Boeing’s Starliner, but technical malfunctions with the spacecraft left them stranded on the station far longer than planned. Sunita had expected to be back within a week of her departure, yet delays kept her in orbit for an extraordinary 285 days.
However, this mission does not set the record for the longest stay in space. The American record belongs to astronaut Frank Rubio, who spent an incredible 371 continuous days in orbit, while a Russian cosmonaut holds the world record with an extended stay of 437 days.
Spending such long periods in microgravity takes a toll on the human body. It can lead to weaker bones, muscle loss, and even affect vision. For this reason, once Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return, they will remain at NASA’s Space Center for several days. This recovery period will help their bodies gradually readjust and restore normal physical functions.
Conclusion
Sunita William’s return marks not just the end of a historic journey but also the beginning of a challenging of a challenging recovery on Earth. Her story highlights the courage and resilience it takes to live in space for months and then readapt to gravity.
For more updates on space missions and other trending news, visit newskaghar24.com.