Sunita Williams’ Return: NASA’s Crew-10 mission docked at the ISS on Sunday at 9:40 AM IST, to rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The SpaceX Dragon arrived early to relieve the Crew-9 astronauts.
Sunita Williams News: After spending over 10 months at the Interational Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, are all set to come back to the Earth. NASA’s replacement crew successfully docked at the ISS on Sunday morning, completing a crucial step in the long-awaited return of the stranded astronauts. The Crew-10 mission, launched aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, arrived at the ISS at approximately 9:40 AM IST, following an accelerated timeline aimed at facilitating the departure of the Crew-9 astronauts.
A space mission which was initially planned for 7 days, got extended to infinity after the spacecraft which was carrying Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, experienced technical glitches. However, after the current updates, the two stranded NASA astronauts are on their way back home.
Their extended stay aboard the ISS has provided valuable insights into the effects of long-duration space travel on the human body. As she readjusts to Earth’s gravity, scientists are closely monitoring how her body reacts after months in microgravity.
Sunita Williams’ Return To Earth: Health Challenges NASA Astronaut May Face After Landing
Space missions that last for several months or even years can have a serious impact on the health of the astronauts. This mainly happens due to the lack of Earth’s gravitational pull. Astronauts’ body under zero gravity experiences severe muscle loss because the body isn’t required to function the way it does on the Earth. While Sunita Williams’ return brings joy to many faces, experts have highlighted the severe impact of microgravity that she will face now – after re-entering Earth’s gravitational force.
Severe Muscle Weakness
The first health problem that experts have pointed out is – muscle weakness. According to studies, one of the most significant challenges that NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is expected to face is muscle atrophy. When the human body is exposed to microgravity, its muscles are not used as much as they are on Earth, and this can lead to significant muscle loss. Despite daily exercise routines onboard the ISS, Sunita Williams will likely experience muscle weakness upon landing, making basic activities like standing and walking difficult in the first few days.
Bone Density Loss
Another significant impact of prolonged exposure to zero gravity is bone density loss. In a study, experts have proven that astronauts can lose up to 1-2% of their bone mass per month when exposed to microgravity. What happens when the astronaut suffers from bone density loss? This condition can make the bones more prone to fractures. This is why, after entering the Earth, Williams will undergo medical scans to assess her bone health.
Vestibular System Disruption (Balance Issues)
The inner ear, which controls balance, is affected in space, leading to space motion sickness during adaptation phases. Once back on Earth, astronauts struggle with dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty walking. Sunita Williams will likely undergo vestibular rehabilitation to regain her sense of balance.
Fluid Redistribution and Facial Swelling
In space, bodily fluids shift upwards due to lack of gravity, causing puffy faces and sinus congestion. Upon return, these fluids move back downward, causing astronauts to feel heavy and fatigued. Drinking plenty of fluids and allowing time for the body to readjust is essential for post-space recovery.
Radiation Exposure Risks
Astronauts aboard the ISS are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation, which can increase the risk of cancer and DNA damage. After returning, astronauts like Williams undergo medical screenings to detect any radiation-induced changes and monitor long-term health effects.
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