NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spent nine months in space. Now, their real challenge begins. In low gravity, they lost up to half of their muscle mass and nearly a fifth of their bone density. Recovery will not be easy. Experts say it could take more than a year before they feel normal again. Some astronauts never fully recover.
A Mission That Lasted Much Longer Than Expected
Williams and Wilmore were supposed to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) for only eight days. But technical problems kept them there for months. NASA finally brought them back on Tuesday evening. They landed off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida. Medical teams helped them onto stretchers right away. Doctors say they may not be able to walk on their own for weeks.
The Three Phases of Rehabilitation
NASA follows a structured plan to help astronauts recover. Their rehabilitation is divided into three phases. Each phase helps rebuild their strength, balance, and endurance.
Phase One: Learning to Walk Again
The first phase focuses on basic movements. The goal is to regain strength and flexibility. Astronauts practice walking again through gait training. They perform balance exercises like standing on one leg or doing seated marches. They also work on flexibility by stretching their calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings. Walking through obstacle courses helps them improve coordination.
Phase Two: Building Strength and Endurance
Once they can walk better, they move to phase two. This phase adds more complex exercises. Astronauts train their muscles and improve body awareness with lunges and squats. They also start cardio workouts. They use treadmills, ellipticals, or stationary bikes to rebuild endurance.
Phase Three: Returning to Full Fitness
The last phase takes the longest. This phase focuses on restoring full strength. It includes high-intensity exercises like jump squats, mountain climbers, and deadlifts. NASA says most astronauts regain their fitness after 45 days. But some take much longer. Studies show that many never recover their original bone density.
The Risk of Weak Bones and Muscles
In space, astronauts exercise two hours a day. But even that is not enough to prevent muscle and bone loss. A six-month space mission can cause a person to lose half their strength. Weak muscles and bones put astronauts at risk of fractures and early osteoporosis. Before their missions, astronauts train hard to stay in peak condition. But Earth’s gravity is essential for maintaining strength.
Heart Health Suffers in Space
Long missions affect astronauts’ hearts. Blood and other fluids shift toward the head in low gravity. The heart does not have to work as hard. Over time, this weakens the cardiovascular system. When astronauts return to Earth, their hearts struggle to pump blood normally again.
Dangerous Radiation Exposure
Space exposes astronauts to high levels of radiation. In one week on the ISS, they receive as much radiation as a person on Earth gets in a whole year. This raises their risk of cancer, heart disease, and nervous system damage. Doctors recommend more cancer screenings for astronauts after long missions.
Vision and Skin Problems
Many astronauts suffer from eyesight problems after space travel. A condition called Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) causes swelling in the optic nerve and changes eye shape. Astronauts also develop skin issues. Their skin becomes thinner and more sensitive. Some experience rashes and slow-healing wounds.
Blood Clots and Circulation Issues
Blood circulation changes in space. Some astronauts develop blood clots, a condition called Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT). Some recover naturally, but others need treatment. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of space travel on circulation.
A Long Road to Recovery
Williams and Wilmore spent much longer in space than most astronauts. Their bodies went through extreme changes. Now, they must go through months of rehabilitation. Some of their health issues may last for years. Space travel pushes human limits, and experts are still learning about its long-term effects. The journey back to full health will be difficult, but NASA will help them every step of the way.
