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Astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore may face health challenges upon return to Earth after 9 months; here's how


Published on 2025-03-19 03:43:13 - Moneycontrol
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  • Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, along with a fellow NASA astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut, returned to Earth aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. We talked to doctors to understand the health impact the astronauts are likely to face after staying in space for over 9 months.

The article from Moneycontrol discusses the health challenges that astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore might face upon their return to Earth after spending nine months on the International Space Station (ISS). Prolonged exposure to microgravity leads to several physiological changes including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and cardiovascular deconditioning. Upon returning, they will need to undergo a rigorous rehabilitation process to readjust to Earth's gravity. This includes physical therapy to rebuild muscle strength, exercises to restore bone density, and cardiovascular workouts to improve heart function. Additionally, they might experience balance issues, vision changes, and a weakened immune system. NASA has protocols in place to help astronauts recover, which involve a phased approach to reintroduce them to Earth's gravity, starting with minimal movement and gradually increasing physical activity. The article also highlights the importance of ongoing research to mitigate these effects for future space missions.

Read the Full Moneycontrol Article at:
[ https://www.moneycontrol.com/health-and-fitness/astronauts-sunita-williams-and-barry-wilmore-may-face-health-challenges-upon-return-to-earth-after-9-months-here-s-how-article-12968969.html ]