After spending an extraordinary nine months in space, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were finally brought back to Earth on Tuesday, March 18.
Originally arriving at the International Space Station (ISS) in June 2024 for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission, the duo faced a series of complications that kept them in space much longer than anticipated. In total, Wilmore and Williams spent nine months aboard the ISS.
When they were eventually rescued and ferried back to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, they were immediately taken away on stretchers before stepping onto solid ground.
Returning from such a long mission in space meant adapting to several physical changes, with reports suggesting that Wilmore and Williams might experience adverse health effects.
For the first time in months, they are breathing Earth’s oxygen and experiencing gravity pushing against their bones. They will also need to adjust to conditions such as ‘chicken legs’ and ‘baby feet’—the result of muscle atrophy in space—as well as face an increased cancer risk, according to the Daily Mail.
Upon their return, Wilmore and Williams underwent a series of tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. However, experts have raised concerns about potential health issues based on some visible signs.
Given the extended duration of their stay, it’s no surprise that their bodies underwent noticeable changes. Many observers pointed out that the astronauts appeared gaunt, likely due to significant weight loss over the past nine months.
While this weight loss was expected, other, more concerning health factors were also noted. For instance, experts mentioned that Wilmore and Williams may have a build-up of fluids in their heads due to pressure on their eyes and optical nerves. This condition, known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), could affect their appearance.
Most astronauts’ eyes return to normal once they’re back on Earth, but NASA notes that some side effects of SANS can be permanent. Unfortunately, given the prolonged duration of Wilmore and Williams’ mission, this could be a potential issue for them.
Additionally, the microgravity environment of space causes astronauts’ muscles to weaken and atrophy over time, making it difficult for them to maintain a healthy weight. This is part of the reason why Wilmore and Williams were stretchered away after splashing down.
Lastly, they may also experience Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT), a condition that causes fluid to shift upwards, making their faces appear puffy.
What do you think about Wilmore and Williams’ appearances upon their return to Earth? Share your thoughts in the comments.