NASA astronauts return to Earth: This is the harsh reality of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returning to Earth
A long journey
Williams and Wilmore’s original spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner, faces a series of technical problems that force them to delay returns, the Daily Mail reported. There are problems with the thruster and helium leakage, which forced NASA to leave Starliner empty in September, and according to the report, put astronauts into space.
These delays also make their mission a political topic. According to the Daily Mail, U.S. President Donald Trump and Musk have accused the Biden administration of “abandoning” astronauts in space for political motivation, which Musk claimed in a podcast in February. Musk said he had offered the option to take them home a few months ago but was blocked for political reasons.
The life of astronauts after evacuation from space
Although there is fun going home, Williams and Willmore will have some challenging physical problems in rewarding, according to the Daily Mail. The two astronauts were originally scheduled to conduct an eight-day mission but were trapped for 286 days and could not have walked without assistance when they landed on Earth. Instead, according to the report, they may be detained to wait for medical staff for evaluation and recovery.
“The crew will start the recovery program the same day they return to Earth, with the focus of the first phase focusing on walking, flexibility and muscle strengthening,” said Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran. Gupta also mentioned: “Astronauts need up to six weeks of recovery to recover their strength, which will include guiding exercise and nutrition programs.”
Crew changes
The departing astronauts will be replaced by four upcoming crew members NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Pesko, according to the Daily Mail.
Typically, according to the report, the “exchange” period will allow new staff to be trained and adapted to the station operation time for about five days. However, this time, NASA reduced handover time to just two days, a move aimed at saving food rations and dealing with other logistical issues.
According to the report, new staff from SpaceX Capsules will spend the next six months on the space station.
FAQ
Can Williams and Wilmore walk when they land on Earth?
Not likely. After spending so long in space, they need medical assistance and will likely be continued until the medical team is evaluated.
Who will replace Williams and Wilmore on the International Space Station?
Four new crew members including NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, Japan’s Takuya Onishi and Russia’s Kirill Pesko will replace them.
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