Sunita Williams Returns: Baby Feet, Dizziness, Weightless Tongue, What Health Challenges Astronaut Might Face

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX capsule on Tuesday. 

The return will mark an end to their nine-month-long dramatic mission. 

Experts warn that prolonged stays in space can lead to significant physiological challenges for astronauts.

Zero-gravity space travel affects circulation, balance & bone density, causing fluid buildup in the upper body, leading to a bloated appearance. 

Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield experienced a "weightless tongue" after returning from ISS in 2013, affecting his speech. 

A former NASA astronaut explained that astronauts may experience ‘baby feet’ after prolonged periods in space.

This condition refers to the hypersensitivity and softness in the soles of the feet due to weightlessness.

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

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

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