As Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams prepare to come home after their unexpected nine-month ISS stay, here is what they may experience

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore, who faced an extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical safety concerns, are set to return to Earth soon, but their journey back will not be without challenges. They are scheduled to land no earlier than March 19 after a joint mission with SpaceX's Crew Dragon-10, which is poised to dock with the ISS soon. Over their nine-month mission, Williams and Wilmore will have undergone significant physical changes due to prolonged exposure to microgravity. Reports from former astronauts indicate that both may struggle with physical rehabilitation following their return. The phenomenon known as 'baby feet,' where astronauts experience the loss of calluses and skin brittleness due to weightlessness, poses a unique challenge. Additionally, the lack of gravity leads to notable losses in muscle strength and bone density, which could exacerbate difficulties in movement upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Experts warn that astronauts typically lose about one percent of bone density for every month spent in space, resulting in an increased risk of fractures and other health issues that must be addressed through rehabilitation exercises. Furthermore, the cardiovascular and neurological effects on astronauts cannot be ignored. Conditions such as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) could lead to vision problems and pressure damages in the brain. It has been suggested that Williams and Wilmore might experience severe dizziness, nausea, and even fainting spells due to changes in blood volume and pressure regulation after such prolonged exposure to microgravity. Being stuck in space and delayed in their return raises concerns about the long-term health risks associated with radiation exposure, which could potentially heighten the likelihood of cancer and other degenerative diseases. While the return of Williams and Wilmore is eagerly anticipated by many, it serves as a reminder of the intricate and often daunting realities of space travel. As NASA and SpaceX continue to advance toward a future filled with commercial spaceflight possibilities, lessons learned from the experiences of astronauts like Williams and Wilmore will be crucial for safeguarding the health of those who venture into the final frontier. This analysis has been reviewed by artificial intelligence, providing insights into the complexities these astronauts face as they transition back to life on Earth.