After spending nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth. While their safe return was celebrated by all, a concerning detail in their post-flight photos has raised eyebrows among space enthusiasts.
The astronauts’ prolonged stay in space was due to technical issues that extended their original eight-day mission to an unprecedented 286 days. Upon their return, they underwent a thorough medical evaluation, which included cancer screenings, radiation exposure checks, and studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body.
Although the astronauts appeared to be in relatively good health, with Williams, Wilmore, and their Russian cosmonaut colleague Aleksandr Gorbunov able to stand and walk independently, a photo of Williams with an IV drip attached to her left arm sparked concern among fans.
The presence of the IV drip has led to speculation about Williams’ health, particularly given her noticeable weight loss during her time on the ISS. NASA has reassured the public that Williams’ health is stable, attributing her weight loss to muscle and bone loss, a common side effect of prolonged exposure to microgravity.
The use of an IV drip has raised questions about the specific treatments Williams may require as part of her rehabilitation. Online speculation suggests that the IV may be linked to fluid replenishment or bone loss treatment.
Astronauts typically face a range of health challenges after extended missions in space, and Williams’ experience is no exception. Despite the concerns, there is a silver lining – the astronauts were seen walking without assistance just hours after landing, a remarkable feat given the muscle atrophy that space travelers experience after long missions.
The road to recovery will be long, with doctors indicating that it will take at least a few weeks for the astronauts to feel back to normal. Former astronauts have shared that full recovery from the effects of space travel can take months or even a year.
As the astronauts undergo rehabilitation, they may experience bizarre side effects, including hypersensitive skin and temporary difficulty with speech and swallowing. Retired astronaut Tim Peake has shared his insights on the challenges of readjusting to life on Earth after extended space travel.
Peake’s own experience of feeling rough for the first two days after returning to Earth offers a glimpse into what Williams and Wilmore may be going through. As space travel becomes more frequent and astronauts spend longer periods away from Earth, medical tests and rehabilitation programs will be crucial in understanding how humans can adapt to the challenges of extended space missions.
