NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, who have been stranded in space for nine months, are set to return splash down off Florida’s coast soon aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Though the date for bringing them back has been said as on March 19, 2025, its still unclear whether they will be landing on the earth that day. A joint mission by NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Crew Dragon-10, has set out for the International Space Station, and is expected to dock on Sunday, March 16. But significant bodily challenges await them after their long journey. However, their return to Earth is just the beginning of a challenging readjustment to life on another planet after spending nine long months in space—a stark contrast to Earth.
They are likely to face several physical complications due to their prolonged exposure to space and a lack of gravity. Astronaut Terry Virts once compared the process of readjusting to life on Earth to having the flu, describing how it took him weeks to overcome the dizziness and regain his balance.
Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao echoed similar concerns on international media that Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore might struggle with walking initially after their return. The transition from months of weightlessness to Earth’s gravity can be tough—what astronauts often call the “baby feet” phase, where even simple steps feel unfamiliar and challenging.
Baby Feet
Experts say that their feet, softened like a baby’s from months without gravity, will tingle and ache as they relearn to walk. That’s right—experts call it “baby feet,” and it’s one of the quirky challenges they’ll face after their extended cosmic adventure.
Bone Density And Muscle Loss
Spending months in space takes a serious toll on the human body. Without Earth’s gravity providing resistance, astronauts experience significant bone density loss and muscle atrophy- Various International experts suggest. According to NASA, this weakening can lead to long-term health risks if not properly managed. That’s why astronauts follow strict exercise routines in space and undergo extensive rehabilitation upon their return to rebuild their strength and prevent complications.
Reduced Heart Muscle
Spending extended periods in space doesn’t just weaken muscles and bones—it also affects the heart. Research from NASA and other space agencies shows that astronauts’ heart muscles can shrink and lose strength during long missions. For Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, this means their hearts might not be as efficient at pumping blood when they return to Earth. As a result, they may experience fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty adjusting to standing and walking. Recovery will involve careful monitoring, exercise, and time to regain their cardiovascular strength.
Post-Return Medical Evaluation
Once they return, NASA medics will be on standby to assess their wobbly legs, weakened muscles, and any bone loss from months in microgravity. Sunita and Butch will swap space boots for rehab gear, gradually rebuilding their strength and balance. Sunita is eagerly looking forward to hugging her husband, mother, and her two excited Labradors, while Butch can’t wait to reconnect with his wife, daughters, and church community. Between debriefing NASA on their Starliner journey and adjusting to life under Earth’s full gravity, these space travelers will have their hands full—one careful step at a time!
