After spending an incredible eight months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronaut Sunita Williams is getting ready to return to Earth. The journey back will be a big change for her and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, as they have been living weightlessly in space and are now facing the challenges of gravity.
Sunita and Wilmore have been in space since September and have grown accustomed to the joys of floating around. Wilmore recently shared, “Floating in space is a lot of fun; I like my crazy hair,” showing that despite the challenges of space life, there’s a lot of enjoyment too.
However, the return to Earth will not be easy. For astronauts returning from extended missions, gravity can feel like a harsh reminder of life on the ground. Wilmore explained, “When we get back, gravity starts pulling everything to lower extremities; even lifting a pencil will feel like a workout.” This means that what used to seem simple will now be a strenuous effort.
The astronauts will experience some unusual physical changes as they transition back to Earth’s gravity. Living in microgravity for so long can make the body act differently. For instance, fluids that usually spread evenly throughout the body tend to gather in the upper body while they are in space. This can lead to “puffy faces” and thinner limbs, and as these fluids redistribute after returning to Earth, it may cause temporary discomfort.
Both Sunita and Wilmore are aware of the challenges but are optimistic about coming home. They will undergo a rehabilitation program designed to help them regain their strength and bone density, as astronauts can lose up to 1% of their bone mass each month due to the absence of gravity.
The duo’s return is slated for March 19, when they will board SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft for their trip back. The experience will not just be a homecoming; it will also involve a period of adjustment that will take time. Sunita remarked, “It’s gonna be a little bit hard to adapt,” and they will need patience to reacclimatize to life on Earth.
As they prepare for their return, Sunita and Wilmore are cherishing their final moments in space, reflecting on the unique experiences they have shared. They’ll soon be trading in their floating adventures for familiar Earthly routines, but the memories of life in space will stay with them forever.
