Sunita Williams Homecoming: First Visual of Dragon Spacecraft Bringing Home NASA Astronauts Before Delinking of Satellite

Sunita Williams Homecoming: Spacecraft carrying NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov is just minutes away from a splashdown off the coast of Florida. The trio, who spent additional time in orbit due to technical delays, are finally returning home after an eventful mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).  

As the capsule makes its final descent, first visuals from inside the spacecraft have emerged, showing the astronauts in high spirits as they brace for the moment their journey ends with a controlled landing in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Sunita Williams Becomes NASA Astronaut with Second-Highest Number of Days in Space

A mission specialist for Crew-9, this was Sunita Williams' third visit to space, particularly, the International Space Station (ISS). She arrived at the ISS on June 6, 2024 and what was supposed to be a short one-week mission, turned out to be a nine-month mission due to technical issues in the spacecraft. 

Effects of Prolonged Space Travel on the Human Body

Meanwhile,  Dr. Jimmy Prabhakar, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Diabetology at Rela Hospital Chennai, spoke to Republic TV about the potential health risks astronauts face after extended missions in space. He highlighted several key concerns. Read below:

Muscle and Bone Deterioration

Without gravity, astronauts’ muscles weaken due to lack of regular use. This condition, known as muscle atrophy, can lead to sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and general weakness.

Bones experience demineralization, as calcium is leached from them, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Visual Disturbances

Fluid accumulation in the brain, particularly around the optic nerves, can lead to cerebral edema and impair vision.

Neurological Impairments

Prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation may affect cognitive functions such as memory, orientation, and proprioception.

Neurological changes could also increase the risk of malignancies in the long run.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Space travel alters gut microbiota, potentially leading to digestive problems, including diarrhea and loss of protective bacteria.

Immune System and Blood Abnormalities

The immune system undergoes changes, making astronauts more susceptible to infections.

A decline in hemoglobin and white blood cell (WBC) counts could lead to anemia and reduced immunity.

Skin and Genetic Alterations

Astronauts may experience skin rashes and increased sensitivity post-mission.

Long-term exposure to space conditions could trigger genetic modifications, potentially increasing the risk of cancers.

Monitoring and Recovery

As Williams and Wilmore re-adapt to Earth’s gravity, medical teams will closely monitor their health. Their rehabilitation process will involve physical therapy to regain muscle strength and bone density, along with cognitive assessments and regular medical evaluations.

While space travel opens new frontiers for humanity, it comes with significant physiological challenges that must be addressed to ensure astronauts’ long-term health. The return of Williams and Wilmore will not only mark a milestone in their mission but also provide crucial insights into the effects of extended space travel on the human body.