Doctor reveals the reality NASA astronauts stranded in space will face when they return

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore have been stuck in space since June last year after their spacecraft’s thrusters failed as they approached the International Space Station (ISS). Their mission was originally planned to last only eight days but has stretched to nearly nine months.

They are expected to return to Earth on March 19 or 20 aboard a SpaceX capsule. Once they land, they will immediately undergo medical evaluations and rehabilitation due to the effects of prolonged time in space.

Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran, explained that the astronauts might need up to six weeks of rehabilitation to regain their strength.

Their recovery will focus on walking, muscle strengthening, and monitoring for possible health risks, including exposure to space radiation. Dr. Gupta suggested that they may need extra cancer screenings due to their prolonged exposure to space conditions.

Biomedical engineer Dr. John Jaquish also noted that the human body relies on Earth’s gravity to function properly, and without it, muscles and bones weaken. Space radiation poses additional risks, including increased chances of cancer and nervous system issues.

To minimize these effects, Williams and Wilmore have been exercising regularly while aboard the ISS. However, Williams admitted that being in space for so long has made her forget simple actions like walking. During a call with students, she said, “I haven’t walked, I haven’t sat down, I haven’t laid down.”

Their rehabilitation will take place in phases. First, they will focus on regaining basic movement and muscle strength. Then, they will work on rebuilding their overall physical fitness, including cardiovascular endurance. The final stage will aim to restore them to peak physical condition.

Despite the challenges, the astronauts are expected to make a full recovery with the help of medical experts.