NASA astronauts’ pain after returning to Earth explained.
NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore have been stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months.
Astronauts’ mission profiled.
The pair’s original mission was only supposed to last eight days, but mechanical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft left them stranded.
Williams and Wilmore began their mission in June 2024.
They launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner with plans for a brief stay at the ISS.
However, technical issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system delayed their return.
In September 2024, Starliner was returned to Earth without its crew, extending their stay indefinitely.
Despite the unexpected delay, Williams and Wilmore kept busy on the ISS.
They contributed to over 150 scientific experiments while waiting for a safe return plan.
Both astronauts maintained a positive attitude despite the uncertainty.
Williams has shared that she’s eager to return home to her family and her dogs.
SpaceX’s Crew-10 mission successfully docked with the ISS on March 16, 2025.
The new arrivals will take over ISS duties, allowing Williams and Wilmore to return home.
The Crew-10 team includes NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers.
Also on board are Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.
Their arrival brought relief and celebration among the ISS crew.
However, the astronauts will have some health issues to grapple with once they return to Earth.
Astronauts’ agony revealed.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity can take a significant toll on the human body.
One lesser-known side effect is called “baby feet.”
Without the usual pressure from walking, the hard skin on the soles of astronauts’ feet begins to peel away.
This leaves their feet soft, tender, and far more sensitive when they return to Earth.
For astronauts like Williams and Wilmore, walking can be painful until the skin hardens again.
The condition isn’t the only concern for astronauts stuck in space for extended periods.
Loss of muscle mass and reduced bone density are major risks for those spending months in orbit.
Research shows astronauts can lose up to 1% of their bone mass for each month spent in space.
This makes their bones more susceptible to fractures once they return to Earth’s gravity.
Astronauts often struggle with balance issues as well.
Dizziness and a disrupted sense of stability are common side effects of prolonged space travel.
Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao compared the sensation to having the flu.
Astronauts’ long space journey is finally over.
Rehabilitation will be a key part of their recovery upon landing.
NASA’s medical team will guide them through strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and psychological support.
Their long-anticipated return marks the conclusion of an unplanned chapter in their space journey.