Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore brace for challenging return to Earth's gravity after ISS mission
PTC Web Desk: As astronaut Sunita Williams prepares to conclude her extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), she faces the daunting task of readjusting to Earth's gravity. Having spent over eight months in microgravity, Sunita Williams is set to experience significant physical changes upon her return, as the force of gravity begins to affect her body after months of weightlessness.
Fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, who has been on the mission with Sunita Williams, highlighted the challenges they will face upon returning to Earth. "Gravity is really tough, and that's what we feel when we get back," Wilmore explained in an interview with CNN. "Gravity starts pulling everything to lower extremities; fluids will be pulled down, and even lifting a pencil will feel like a workout." This sudden shift in gravitational forces is expected to cause discomfort and a sense of heaviness as their bodies readjust.
Sunita Williams also shared the same, acknowledging the difficulties of adapting to life on Earth again. "It's gonna be a little bit hard to adapt," she admitted. "It's a day-for-day process when you get your fast-twitch muscle action back." The astronauts are aware that within 24 hours of their return, they will begin to lose the unique sensations of weightlessness they have grown accustomed to during their mission.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity leads to various physiological changes, including muscle atrophy and a decrease in bone density, with astronauts losing up to 1% of their bone mass per month due to the lack of weight-bearing activities. To counteract these effects, Williams is expected to undergo a rigorous rehabilitation program aimed at regaining her strength and bone density.
Additionally, the redistribution of bodily fluids in space often results in "puffy faces" and thinner limbs for astronauts. Upon returning to Earth, these fluids will shift back to their usual distribution, potentially causing temporary discomfort as their bodies readjust.
Despite these challenges, Sunita Williams and Wilmore remain optimistic about their return. Both astronauts have previously adapted quickly after long-duration missions and are hopeful for a similar experience this time. Reflecting on his time aboard the ISS, Wilmore said, "Floating in space is a lot of fun; I like my crazy hair."
The two astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, which will undock from the ISS on March 19.
- With inputs from agencies
