Indian-origin astronaut, Sunita Williams is currently leading all the headlines after her successful return to Earth. The Ohio-born astronaut, Sunita, along with fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, embarked on an eight-day test flight of Boeing Starline. A series of unexpected events made their spacecraft unsafe for return.
The eight-day test mission soon turned into a 9-month long stay at the International Space Station (ISS). On March 19, 2025, the SpaceX capsule carrying Sunita and her colleague, Butch, touched down on the Florida coast, and her return has left the entire country elated. However, after spending so many months in space, Sunita will face a lot of physical challenges on Earth. Let us read on to know about them in detail.
Sunita Williams would struggle to stand
The first few moments after her return to Earth, Sunita would be taken out of the scorched capsule on a reclining stretcher. After spending months in space in microgravity, Sunita’s bones would lose their density, and she would not be able to stand on the ground. This can increase the risks of osteoporosis.
Sunita Williams’ muscles and cells become weak
After experiencing microgravity for more than nine months, readjusting to Earth can be difficult for Sunita due to the severe damage caused to her body during the space travel. As the bones operate differently in microgravity, Sunita would find difficulty in standing and holding things.
In space, the spine elongates, which causes a temporary height gain, while the cells that build bone tissue become slower. This often leads to bone deterioration, which will eventually weaken the muscle. As the bones lose their density, astronauts become weak and develop baby feet.
Sunita Williams can face puffy-head bird-legs syndrome
The fluid distribution in space changes drastically and starts flowing upwards, which eventually leads to facial puffiness, nasal congestion and increased pressure on the skull. On the other hand, the legs lose fluids. As a result, the legs would look small, and the head would appear big, which is called puffy-head bird-legs syndrome.
Sunita Williams can also experience hearing loss
As the fluid flows upwards in space, the chances of it accumulating in the brain are higher. This can lead to hearing loss or vision loss. The added pressure on the brain can lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome.
Sunita Willams may face changes in the structure of her heart
In space, the structure of the heart changes from oval to round. Not only this, but the blood flow also gets disturbed, leading to damage to the circulatory system. The loss of blood volume is also an alarming condition as it makes it difficult to regulate blood pressure, which can eventually cause dizziness, blackouts and nausea.
High risk of cancer
Exposure to high levels of radiation from the Sun is another serious problem that an astronaut faces in space. This can put them at a high risk of cancer and other degenerative diseases. Sunita had spent nine months in space, which has exposed her to high levels of radiation.
Sunita Williams to undergo physiological challenges
While many of the physical changes that Sunita would experience after returning to Earth, like baby feet, facial puffiness, and bone density loss, can be recovered within some time. Other physiological issues can be challenging. As per multiple studies, space travel can permanently alter an astronaut’s mental wellness. They are prone to a high risk of disturbed sleep cycle, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
Most changes in the human body reset after returning to Earth with exercise, bone recovery therapy and balance training. Socio-economic developments like family reunions would also play a crucial role.
Sunita Williams’ 286 days in space had been a roller coaster, and now she is back, we hope her road to recovery is smooth.
Also Read: Who Is Sunita Williams’ Husband, Michael? US Federal Marshal, Couple’s Love Story, India’s Daughter
