After spending nine months in space, astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025. Originally scheduled to stay for eight days, their mission extended due to unforeseen circumstances on the International Space Station (ISS).
Returning from such a long stint in space requires adjusting to Earth’s gravity, oxygen, and physical conditions. Wilmore and Williams are facing health challenges, including muscle atrophy, fluid retention, and “chicken legs” and “baby feet” due to microgravity. They also face an increased cancer risk. Experts are concerned about Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which causes fluid buildup in the head and pressure on the eyes, potentially leading to long-term vision issues.
NASA will conduct tests at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to assess their health after the extended mission.
