Sunita Williams Health Updates Live: NASA Astronaut Undergoing 45-Day Rehab — How Long Until She Walks Normally Again?

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is undergoing rehab after a 9-month space mission, working to regain strength, balance, and mobility. Full recovery may take months.

Sunita Williams Health Update: NASA Astronaut Undergoing 45-Day Rehab—How Long Until She Walks Normally Again?

Sunita Williams Live Health Update: Indian-origin, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who was stuck in space for 286 days, has returned to Earth and is currently undergoing a rehabilitation program to re-adjust to gravity. A short space mission that was initially planned for 8 days turned into 9 months after the spacecraft carrying Sunita Williams, and Barry "Butch" Wilmore, suffered technical issues - making their return unsafe.

While Williams and Wilmore's extended space mission has contributed significantly to existing research, the astronaut's prolonged stay in microgravity has raised concerns about the toll long-term space stay can take taken on astronaut's health.

As images of her return surfaced online, many were shocked by visible signs of weight loss, muscle atrophy, and difficulty standing. Now undergoing intensive rehabilitation, the question remains: how long will it take for her to walk normally again?

We're getting our first look at #Crew9 since their return to Earth! Recovery teams will now help the crew out of Dragon, a standard process for all crew members after returning from long-duration missions. pic.twitter.com/yD2KVUHSuq NASA (@NASA) March 18, 2025

Sunita Williams' Space Saga: How Long Space Stay Affected NASA Astronaut's Health

Prolonged exposure to microgravity can have a serious impact on an astronaut's health. The body works differently when exposed to microgravity - the reason being the microgravity environment. According to experts, without Earth's gravity, astronauts experience significant physiological changes, including weakness in the muscles, severe bone density loss, and unusual fluid shifts that directly lead to swelling in the face, neck, and jaw.

NASA has spent decades studying these effects to improve rehabilitation protocols for astronauts returning from long-duration missions. Let's highlight what over a 9-month stay at ISS has done to Sunita Williams.

Muscle Atrophy And Bone Density Loss

Severe muscle weakness and bone density loss in space is one of the most dangerous effects that the human body bears when under microgravity. This mainly happens due to the fact that they do not have to support their body weight in microgravity, which causes severe muscle weakness over time. According to NASA, studies have shown that astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass within five to 11 days of space travel if they do not engage in rigorous exercise. For those on long-duration missions like Sunita Williams, this deterioration is even more pronounced.

Similarly, bone loss occurs because weight-bearing bones no longer experience the usual stress they do on Earth. On average, astronauts lose about 1% to 1.5% of their bone mineral density per month in space. The longer they stay in orbit, the greater the loss, increasing the risk of fractures upon return to Earth.

Fluid Shift and Facial Swelling

This is another common issue for astronauts in space, where bodily fluids move upwards toward the head due to the absence of gravity. This often results in puffy, swollen faces, a condition seen in several astronauts, including Sunita Williams, upon their return. While this swelling typically subsides within a few weeks, it can contribute to balance and coordination issues as the body readjusts to Earth's gravitational forces.

'I Have Forgotten How To Walk' - NASA Astronaut Explains Health Issues of Long Space Stays

How Long Until She Walks Normally Again? NASA estimates that full recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the individual. In cases like Sunita Williams, who spent 286 days in microgravity, the recovery period could be closer to 45-60 days or longer, as her body gradually adapts back to Earth's gravity.

Studies on astronauts returning from the ISS show that most regain normal walking abilities within a few weeks, but they may continue to experience minor balance and endurance challenges for months. Astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent nearly a year in space, took several months to fully recover from muscle weakness and balance issues.