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Sunita Williams Return Date: 10 Months In Space, Health Challenges NASA Astronaut May Face After Landing On Earth

Sunita Williams Return Date: NASA said in a statement on Sunday evening that the astronauts' anticipated ocean splashdown will take place off the Florida coast on March 18 (GMT).

Written by Satata Karmakar | Updated : March 18, 2025 12:37 PM IST

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Sunita Williams Return: Health Problems NASA Astronaut Will Face

Stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for over 10 months, Indian origin, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is all set to re-enter Earth's gravitational force on 18th March. After delaying her comeback over technical issues detected in the spacecraft carrying her, NASA said in a statement on Sunday evening that the astronauts' anticipated ocean splashdown will take place off the Florida coast on March 18 (GMT). Although, Sunita Williams' return is a joyous moment for her, experts suggest that the real challenge for the NASA astronaut will begin after she re-enters Earth's gravity. Scroll down to know what health problems she might face post-landing.

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When Is Sunita Williams Coming Back To Earth?

After spending over Ten months at the ISS, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to the Earth within 48 hours from now. According to the latest statement by NASA officials, both astronauts are expected to undock from the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, around 1 a.m. ET, with a planned landing near Florida by 6 p.m. ET the same day.

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How Is Sunita Williams Right Now?

After spending over 10 months in space, the experts have suggested that Sunita Williams' body has developed some serious health complications. Since astronauts live in a microgravity environment, their muscles and bones weaken due to the lack of weight-bearing activity. Scroll down to know what health issues she will face after re-entering Earth's gravitational force. Also Read - NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Fully Recovered After 9-Month Starliner Space Mission

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Sunita Williams Will Suffer From Bone Density Loss

One of the most concerning health issue that NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is expected to face is bone loss. This mainly happens due to the absence of gravity - which can lead to weakness of the bones. According to the studies, astronauts lose 1% to 2% of bone mass per month in space, which is much higher than the normal age-related bone loss seen on Earth. Osteoporosis-like symptoms make astronauts prone to fractures after returning.

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Sunita Williams Suffering From Muscle Atrophy

The next health trouble that Sunita Williams is suffering right now is muscle atrophy or severe muscle weakness. In medical terminology, muscle atrophy is a serious health condition which is marked by severe m muscle weakness. Without regular use, muscles shrink and weaken. The legs, lower back, and core muscles suffer the most, making it difficult for astronauts to walk or stand upright when they return to Earth. Also Read - NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Under Rehabilitation After 9 Months In Space—How Microgravity Affected Her Movement

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Sunita Williams' Heart Health

Microgravity affects the cardiovascular system by reducing blood circulation and causing the heart to work less efficiently. Astronauts often experience orthostatic intolerance, meaning they struggle to stand up without feeling dizzy or lightheaded after returning to Earth.

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Space Radiation Induced Vision Problems

Another health issue that experts fear Sunita Williams may suffer from is vision problem. According to data, many astronauts have reported serious vision changes in the past mainly due to increased intracranial pressure in space. The lack of gravity leads to fluid shifting toward the head, putting pressure on the optic nerve and flattening the eyeball, leading to blurred vision. Also Read - Sunita Williams Health Update: What NASA Astronaut Ate During 9 Months at ISS – Watch This Video From Space Station

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Psychological And Mental Health Challenges

After spending over 10 years in space, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is also facing serious mental health issues. Astronauts experience isolation, stress, and sleep disturbances, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Adjusting to normal life on Earth can be challenging due to the psychological strain of space missions.