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After staying for nearly ten months stranded in space, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Barry Butch Wilmore have finally started their journey back to Earth. Originally, the mission, which was launched using NASA's SpaceX Crew-7, was supposed to last much less time. However, their stay at the International Space Station (ISS) was prolonged due to unforeseen technical delays and spacecraft problems.
The largest obstacle they will now encounter as they get ready to reenter Earth's atmosphere is acclimating to gravity following almost a year in microgravity. This article explores their motivations, how they became stuck, and the challenges they will face when they return to Earth.
The SpaceX-NASA Mission: Why Sunita Williams and Wilmore traveled to space?
Veteran NASA astronaut Sunita Williams participated in the August 26, 2023, launch of the NASA-SpaceX Crew-7 mission. The mission's objectives were:
To perform scientific research in a microgravity setting.
To maintain and upgrade the International Space Station (ISS).
To test new space technology for upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.
Unexpected problems prolonged their stay to almost ten months, even though the mission was only supposed to last six months.
How Sunita Williams Spent Ten Months Trapped in Space?
During their stay on the ISS, Sunita Williams and her crew faced delays with the return vehicle because of:
Spacecraft Technical Issues:
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule experienced issues that required them to be repaired before the crew could return safely.
NASA Safety Issues:
The engineers insisted on 100% safety before re-entry, and this caused several postponements.
Delay in Backup Return Plans:
NASA also explored backup return vehicles, but timing conflicts extended their duration.
Because of these delays, Williams and her team stayed on the ISS for almost 10 months, making it one of the longest human spaceflights.
What is baby feet effect?
Although their return is thrilling, it will not be a smooth transition. Sunita Williams and Wilmore will find it difficult to readjust to Earth's gravity after months of being in a weightless environment. They will experience what astronauts often call the "baby feet" effect—a term used to describe the difficulty of walking and standing after prolonged exposure to microgravity.
Just like a newborn baby learning to walk, astronauts struggle to regain their balance, coordination, and muscle strength when they first set foot on earth. Their feet become sensitive, as they haven't been used to supporting their body weight in space. Even simple movements like standing, walking, or lifting their legs feel unfamiliar.
To recover, they will need intensive rehabilitation, slowly rebuilding her leg muscles and balance control through exercises and therapy.
What Other Challenges Will She Face After 10 Months in Space?
Muscle Weakness & Bone Density Loss:
Astronauts do not exercise their muscles in space, causing muscle atrophy (weakening). Their bone density also gets depleted, causing them to be prone to fractures once they return to Earth.
Solution:
NASA will subject them to intensive physical therapy in order to get their strength back.
Dizziness & Balance Issues:
Without gravity, the vestibular system of the inner ear, responsible for balance, gets confused. On returning, astronauts suffer from vertigo, dizziness, and even motion sickness.
Solution:
They will gradually readjust to Earth's gravity with specific rehabilitation exercises.
Blood Circulation Issues:
In space, liquids rise upwards, leading to puffy faces and legs that are thinner. When back on Earth, blood returns to the lower limbs, making the astronauts dizzy and tired.
Solution:
They will require gradual exposure to walking and standing to acclimatize their bodies.
Psychological & Mental Acclimatization:
10 months of isolation makes astronauts feel anxious when they encounter usual Earth activities such as walking amidst crowds, coping with multiple sounds, and adapting to routines.
Solution:
NASA offers psychological counseling and support to assist them in adapting to normal life.
The Significance of Their Mission:
In spite of encountering unforeseen delays and setbacks, Sunita Williams and her crew have been able to make significant contributions to worthwhile scientific studies in space. Their return will not only be a milestone for NASA and SpaceX but also assist scientists in understanding the impact of long-duration space travel on the human body.
As space agencies prepare for future Moon and Mars missions, the lessons learned from Sunita Williams' extended stay will play a crucial role in shaping the future of space exploration.
What are your thoughts on Sunita Williams' return? Let us know in the comments!
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