Astronauts’ Extended Space Mission Nears Conclusion, Return to Earth Imminent
After an unprecedented nine-month sojourn aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, 59, and Barry Wilmore, 62, are preparing to return to Earth.
Prolonged Spaceflight and Physical Toll
Their extended duration in space has subjected Williams and Wilmore to the detrimental impacts of microgravity, elevated levels of cosmic radiation, and the psychological effects of isolation. Medical professionals have indicated that the astronauts may face considerable challenges upon their return.
Immediate Post-Landing Care
Upon disembarking from the SpaceX Dragon capsule, slated for a splashdown off the Florida coast around 5:57 PM ET Tuesday, the astronauts are unlikely to be able to walk unaided, according to medical sources who spoke to DailyMail.com. Health experts have observed physical signs of decline in both individuals, including noticeable weight reduction. Upon arrival, it is anticipated that the pair will require stretchers and immediate medical assessments.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran, suggests that the astronauts’ rehabilitation could span up to six weeks. This recovery period will encompass structured exercise regimens and customized nutritional plans aimed at regaining their lost strength. The rehabilitation program is expected to commence immediately upon their return, initially emphasizing walking, flexibility exercises, and muscle strengthening.
Radiation Exposure and Long-Term Health Risks
Concerns regarding radiation exposure have also been raised. Dr. Gupta advised that a proactive cancer screening strategy should be considered for the astronauts, given the significant radiation levels encountered during their extended mission. NASA data indicates that a single week on the ISS exposes astronauts to radiation equivalent to a year on Earth. This heightened exposure potentially increases the risk of cancer, central nervous system damage, bone density loss, and certain cardiovascular ailments.
Medical experts anticipate a demanding recovery phase for NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore following their extended nine-month stay on the ISS.
Weight Loss Concerns and NASA’s Response
Prior to their return, concerns had emerged regarding Williams’ physical condition. A photograph from September circulated online, depicting what some observers described as a ‘gaunt’ appearance, prompting speculation about her health. Dr. Gupta previously noted that Williams’ appearance suggested she was experiencing the physiological stresses of prolonged space habitation and potential caloric deficits.
In response to these observations, a NASA source reportedly told the New York Post about agency efforts to address and reverse potential weight loss issues. This source, described as directly involved with the mission, indicated that Williams had struggled to maintain the high-calorie intake necessary for astronauts in space.
However, Williams addressed these weight loss ‘rumors’ in a NASA video, asserting that she had gained muscle mass. She attributed any perceived changes in appearance to fluid shifts commonly experienced during spaceflight. Fluid shifts result from weightlessness causing bodily fluids to redistribute towards the upper body, potentially leading to facial puffiness and thinner legs.
Early indications of health concerns arose from a September photo of Williams, prompting discussions about her physical condition.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams on June 5 before the mission (left) and in December as she prepared to spend Christmas in space.
Physiological Demands of Spaceflight
The body’s metabolic rate increases in space as it adapts to altered gravity and attempts to regulate temperature in the space environment. Rigorous daily exercise, crucial for mitigating muscle and bone loss, further contributes to caloric expenditure. Astronauts are advised to consume up to 3,500 calories daily to counter these effects. Yet, medical experts suggest that the energy demands of space can still exceed caloric intake even with increased consumption.
Monitoring of Both Astronauts’ Health
Following Williams’ comments, a separate NASA source mentioned to the New York Post that Wilmore’s weight was also being monitored. While his weight loss was considered less pronounced, precautions were being taken. At the mission’s outset, Wilmore, standing six feet tall, weighed over 210 pounds. The extent of his weight loss during the ISS stay remains undisclosed.
Barry Wilmore’s weight loss is also under observation by NASA medical personnel.
Despite these concerns, NASA’s chief health and medical officer, Dr. JD Polk, affirmed to DailyMail.com that all astronauts aboard the ISS are in good health, dismissing persistent rumors to the contrary. He emphasized NASA’s decades-long experience in managing long-duration space missions and monitoring crew health, ensuring astronauts maintain well-being throughout their expeditions.
Muscle and Bone Degradation in Space
Beyond fat reduction, extended stays in microgravity lead to rapid muscle and bone deterioration. Astronauts can experience up to 20% muscle mass loss within five days of low gravity exposure. Weight-bearing bones can lose 1% to 1.5% of their density each month during typical four-to-six-month ISS missions, according to NASA. Research indicates that astronauts aged 30 to 50 can lose approximately half their strength after six months in space. This physical weakening increases risks of fractures and osteoporosis upon return.
Biomedical engineer Dr. John Jaquish highlighted the extreme risk of fragility fractures astronauts face upon returning to Earth, suggesting they may require stretchers upon exiting the spacecraft and months for bodily reconditioning. The absence of gravitational pull diminishes the body’s need to maintain bone and muscle mass, leading to rapid breakdown. Severe muscle loss also elevates the risk of organ dysfunction and cardiovascular complications.
Mitigation Strategies and Limitations
While rigorous exercise routines are implemented to mitigate these risks, spaceflight conditions continue to significantly challenge the human body, according to Dr. Jaquish. He noted that the exercise equipment on the ISS may not be sufficient for maintaining pre-flight strength and bone density. Furthermore, NASA research indicates that exercise alone may not fully counteract spaceflight’s effects on cardiovascular health, such as arterial stiffening.
Astronauts Acknowledge Physical Impact
In January, Williams herself acknowledged the physical toll of her extended ISS mission. She described a feeling of unfamiliarity with basic Earth-based actions like walking, sitting, and lying down, during a video call with students.
Astronaut Tom Marshburn required assistance walking upon his return from a 176-day ISS mission in 2022.
Astronaut Raja Chari undergoing strength training post a 177-day ISS mission. Williams and Wilmore are expected to undergo weeks of rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Program Details
Upon return, Williams and Wilmore will embark on a comprehensive rehabilitation program to rebuild strength and cardiovascular fitness. NASA’s standard 45-day rehabilitation program for returning astronauts is structured in three phases. The initial phase focuses on regaining basic mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength. Phase two incorporates proprioceptive and cardiovascular reconditioning exercises. The final and most extended phase emphasizes functional development training to restore pre-mission physical performance levels. While most astronauts regain pre-mission fitness within 45 days, full recovery can take months or years, and some bone density loss may be permanent.
Potential for Enhanced Bone Density Recovery
Given the extended duration of their mission, Williams and Wilmore may face a more challenging rehabilitation. Dr. Jaquish suggested that osteogenic loading exercises could potentially facilitate pre-flight bone density recovery, although it would be a demanding process. Osteogenic loading involves high-impact exercises like squats and lunges to stimulate bone growth. To effectively stimulate bone growth, the bones need to bear loads exceeding 4.2 times their body weight – a weight exceeding even world-record squat levels, according to Dr. Jaquish.
Psychological Rehabilitation
Beyond physical recovery, psychiatrist Dr. Carole Lieberman emphasized the potential need for psychological rehabilitation. Astronauts may need to process intense emotions stemming from their protracted stay in space, including fear and frustration. Despite public statements downplaying any sense of being ‘stranded,’ Dr. Lieberman suggests that underlying feelings of betrayal, resentment, or anger might require attention post-mission.