After spending nine months in space, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore landed on Earth.
Their trip to space that was supposed to last only eight days turned into months-long stay that was delayed multiple times due to technical setbacks.
Eventually, NASA opted to try and return the stranded astronauts home with a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead of Boeing.
The capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, marking their safe return.
However, neither Williams nor Wilmore were able to step off the capsule physically. Instead, they were carried out and placed on stretchers. This isn’t unusual since astronauts returning from space have weakened muscles, which makes it difficult for them to walk under the force of the Earth’s gravity.
Now, before-and-after photos of the two show the impact of the 286 days stay in space on their bodies.
Concerns over their health were raised even during their stay in space, especially regarding severe weight loss and muscle atrophy.
One of the main issues with a longer stay in space, as reported by the Daily Mail is the effect of microgravity. Over time, it can cause swelling of the optic nerves of the eyes, flattening of the back of the eye, and to develop folds in the retina.
This condition known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) can cause fuzzy vision in about 70 per cent of all astronauts who go into space.
Williams, however, was ready to accept these challenges. In an interview with Fortune before her mission to space, she said, “It’s just what the human body does – it explores, among other things. We all have curiosity; we’re born with it. Maybe some of that gets pushed down a little bit by society and things going on around us, but we’re all curious and we want to explore. As a nation, this is one of those things that gives people hope and understanding about things that are bigger than themselves.”
During her interviews while in space, Williams addressed the impact of space on her body. “There’s a lot of changes that go on up here.
“But it’s funny, I think there’s some rumours around out there that I’m losing weight and stuff. I’m actually right at the same amount.”
Williams and Wilmore’s journey home took 17 hours.
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