After nine months in orbit, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth.
Their eight-day flight to space developed into a month-long stay that was repeatedly delayed owing to technical issues.
NASA eventually decided to try to send the trapped astronauts home using a SpaceX Dragon capsule rather than a Boeing.
The capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, confirming their safe recovery.
However, Williams and Wilmore were unable to physically exit the capsule. Instead, they were hauled out and put on stretchers. This is not unusual, as astronauts returning from space have weakened muscles that make walking difficult under the pull of gravity on Earth.
Now, before-and-after images of the two demonstrate how the 286-day stay in space affected their bodies.
Concerns about their health arose even throughout their time in space, particularly over extreme weight loss and muscular atrophy.
According to the Daily Mail, one of the major difficulties with spending more time in space is the effect of microgravity. Over time, it can cause swelling of the eyes’ optic nerves, flattening of the back of the eye, and the development of retinal folds.
The disorder known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) can cause hazy vision in approximately 70% of all astronauts who travel to space.
Williams, on the other hand, was prepared to face the obstacles. In an interview with Fortune before to her space journey, she stated, “It’s just what the human body does—it explores, among other things.” We were all born with curiosity. Maybe some of that is pushed down by society and the events going on around us, but we’re all curious and want to discover. As a country, this is one of those things that gives people hope and awareness of things larger than themselves.”
During her space interviews, Williams discussed the effects of space on her body. “There are many of changes going on up here.
“But it’s interesting, I guess there’s some rumors out there that I’m losing weight and such. I’m actually at the same amount.”
Williams and Wilmore’s trip home took 17 hours.
