Sunita Williams Return Date: NASA Astronauts To Face Severe Health Challenges Upon Entering Earth's Gravitational Force
Sunita Williams Return Date: After spending over 9 months at the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, and Butch Wilmore, are finally returning to the Earth. As per reports, the astronauts are expected to re-enter Earth's gravity by mid-March 2025. Both Williams and Wilmore were stranded at the ISS since June 5, 2024, after their Boeing Starliner faced multiple technical glitches after reaching space.
NASA had originally planned for Williams and Wilmore to return to Earth at the end of March or April, but on February 11, they announced that SpaceX would switch capsules for upcoming flights. This change means Wilmore and Williams will be back by mid-March, shortening their stay at the ISS by at least two weeks.
How will Sunita Williams return to Earth? Williams, Wilmore, and two more NASA astronauts will return to Earth by either mid-March or the end of March in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to several physiological changes that impact astronauts' health. Here are the top complications that NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is expected to face:
One of the first health challenges that Sunita Williams is expected to face is severe muscle loss. Studies have shown that astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass after long exposure to microgravity.
Another severe health trouble that NASA astronaut is expected to face is severe bone density loss and an increased risk of fracture. When exposed to microgravity, astronauts experience bone density loss -- very much similar to osteoporosis. This can happen due to calcium deficiency.
Sunita Williams will also face severe vision problems upon re-entering Earth's gravity. Studies have shown that increased pressure on the brain and fluid shifts may be linked to these visual impairments.
Another health challenge waiting for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore is an unexplained attack on their immune system. Studies have shown that space travel weakens the immune system, making astronauts more vulnerable to infections. This mainly happens due to a lack of Vitamin D levels in the body.
Sunita Williams' journey back to Earth was delayed because the Boeing Starliner failed several tests at the ISS, which included problems like propellant leaks and other technical issues.
To avoid affecting the overall crew schedule, NASA decided to extend Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's stay on the ISS. Instead of returning in the Boeing Starliner, the two astronauts will now come back in a SpaceX capsule. The Starliner was later brought back to Earth using remote control.
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