The NASA Astronauts, stuck in space for nine months, have finally returned to Earth, but everyone is making the same comment.
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore initially embarked on what they thought would be an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5.
The two had been stuck aboard the international space station after technical issues aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, the capsule’s first crewed test flight.
By the time the craft reached the ISS, five of the Staliner’s 28 thrusters failed, and the craft also began leaking helium.
As the full scale of the ship’s technical issues became apparent, it was clear that Williams and Wilmore would not be returning home.
In August, NASA decided to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew due to safety concerns.
In September, Crew-9, carrying Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, successfully reached the ISS, leaving two empty seats.
However, further delays prevented the stranded astronauts from departing until Crew-10 arrived, despite their return vehicle being docked at the station.
Crew-10 finally launched on March 14 and reached the ISS 48 hours later, allowing the long-stranded astronauts to begin their long-awaited journey home.
On Tuesday, March 18, at 5:57 p.m., the SpaceX Dragon Freedom splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida.
As the capsule landed in the ocean, a curious school of dolphins gathered around the strange object, creating a surreal welcome home.
Videos of their return have surfaced online, sparking concern for the astronauts’ health as they required mobility assistance upon landing.
Many viewers pointed out that the astronauts appeared unwell and unable to stand on their own.
Discussing the situation on social media, one user commented, “I hope they’re okay—transitioning back must be incredibly tough.”
Another wrote, “I can only imagine how heavy their bodies must feel after so long in space.”
A third expressed concern, saying, “The effects on their bodies must be long-lasting. I hope they receive the care they need.”
“That must have been terrifying for them. I really hope they’re getting all the help they need,” another person added.
After spending nine months in microgravity, their bodies have undergone significant changes. Immediately after landing, the astronauts were taken to a hospital, where they will remain in quarantine and undergo continuous medical evaluations.
According to NASA, bones become about 1% less dense each month in space. Muscles also don’t need to work as hard in space, so decrease in size.
Both of these conditions could lead to more serious health complications, the astronauts exercised for two hours each day to maintain their health.
There is also a risk of a shortening in height on their return to Earth, due to the spinal column expanding in space, but will decompress on its return.
The astronauts may also experience vision issues along with ‘baby feet’ where the thick protective layer of skin on the foot returns to soft baby-like feet.
