NASA Astronauts to Return on Stretchers: What Stranded Mission Means for Space Travel

On March 18, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will make a historic return to Earth after a surprising nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station. Their journey signifies more than just a homecoming; it underscores critical safety protocols that astronauts follow upon re-entry. Experts reveal that as astronauts adapt to weightlessness in space, their bodies undergo changes, including muscle atrophy and altered vestibular systems, leading to temporary “space motion sickness” upon landing. Consequently, Williams and Wilmore will be transported on stretchers as a precaution. Despite challenges during their mission due to technical issues, both astronauts report feeling strong and ready to tackle Earth’s gravity. Research on long-duration spaceflight’s impact on human physiology continues to evolve, offering insights into our limits beyond Earth.