After an extraordinary nine-month stay in space, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams finally made their long-awaited return to Earth on Tuesday, March 18.
Originally, they arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 with plans to complete a brief eight-day mission. However, a series of unforeseen challenges forced them to stay far longer than expected, turning their short stay into an extended journey.
When they were finally rescued and brought back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, they were carefully transported on stretchers before they could even set foot on solid ground.
The adjustment back to life on Earth after such an extended period in space is no easy feat. Experts warn that Wilmore and Williams could face various health issues as their bodies readjust to gravity and Earth’s atmosphere.
In addition to breathing regular oxygen once more, the astronauts are also re-adjusting to gravity after nine months in space. This means their bodies must relearn how to cope with Earth’s pull, a process that comes with its own set of challenges. Wilmore and Williams will face weakened muscles and bones—often referred to as ‘chicken legs’ and ‘baby feet’—as well as an increased risk of long-term health issues, such as cancer, according to the Daily Mail.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA – MAY 06: NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test Commander Butch Wilmore (L) and Pilot Sunita Williams walk out of the Operations and Checkout Building on May 6, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The astronauts are en route to Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which is perched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket at Space Launch Complex 41, preparing for NASA’s Boeing crew flight test to the International Space Station. (Photo by Joe)
As Wilmore and Williams begin their transition back to Earth, they will undergo a series of tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. However, some experts have raised concerns about potential health issues, as certain warning signs have already emerged.
Given their unexpected extended stay on the ISS, it’s not surprising that Wilmore and Williams have experienced noticeable physical changes. Observers have remarked that both astronauts appear thinner, likely due to significant weight loss over the past nine months.
While weight loss is a common side effect of prolonged space missions, experts have pointed out other, potentially more concerning health issues. One of the most alarming is the fluid accumulation in their heads, which is putting pressure on their eyes and optical nerves. This condition, known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), could also affect their appearance and may have long-term effects on their vision.
Most astronauts typically experience a return to normal vision after returning to Earth, but NASA warns that some effects of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) might be permanent. This is especially concerning for Wilmore and Williams, as their extended stay in space may increase the likelihood of lasting changes.
Additionally, the absence of gravity in space contributes significantly to muscle atrophy, making it difficult for astronauts to maintain a healthy weight. This can affect their overall appearance, which is why both Wilmore and Williams were transported on stretchers after landing.
Another factor to consider is Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT), a condition that causes fluid to shift upward in astronauts’ bodies, often resulting in a puffy appearance, particularly in the face.
What do you think of Wilmore and Williams’ appearance upon their return to Earth this week? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!