Astronauts’ before and after photos reveal impact of being stranded in space for 9 months

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA: After nearly a year in space, NASA astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita Williams are back on Earth and their bodies are feeling every bit of that journey.

Originally set for an eight-day mission, the pair remained stranded on the International Space Station for nine months due to technical delays, reported UNILAD.

Astronauts return after nine months in space and their bodies show the toll

On Tuesday, March 18, they finally returned aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, splashing down off the Gulf Coast near Tallahassee, Florida. But stepping back onto solid ground wasn't an option, both were immediately placed on stretchers due to the brutal effects of microgravity on the human body.

Even before medical tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center could confirm it, sharp-eyed onlookers noticed a significant change in the astronauts' appearances.

Observers noted that before-and-after images of Wilmore and Williams suggested they may have lost weight during their time in space, appearing noticeably thinner.

Experts, however, suggest that beyond weight loss, the duo might be experiencing fluid shifts in their bodies, leading to pressure on their eyes and optical nerves potentially altering their appearance. 

This condition, known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), can lead to optic nerve swelling and result in blurred or distorted vision.

Although many astronauts experience vision improvements after returning to Earth, NASA warns that some effects may be lasting. The duration of time spent in space plays a key role, raising concerns for the duo due to their prolonged mission.

When it comes to cognitive abilities, fluctuations in brain pressure, combined with stress and sleep deprivation, could contribute to a decline something previously observed in other astronauts.

However, the most significant challenge they face is microgravity. Without Earth's gravitational pull, muscle deterioration becomes a major concern, potentially making it difficult for them to sustain a healthy weight over time.

Without Earth's pull, astronauts experience muscle atrophy, particularly in their legs since they no longer bear any weight in space. This is why both astronauts were initially unable to stand or walk upon returning to Earth.

Even with a rigorous workout routine and a high-calorie diet on the ISS, astronauts are still vulnerable to muscle atrophy, which may explain their seemingly frail appearance. Additionally, Spaceflight Venous Thrombosis (SVT) can cause fluid to shift upward, leading to facial puffiness, an effect similar to being in an inverted position for extended periods.

NASA estimates that most astronauts regain their pre-mission strength within 45 days, though in severe cases, full recovery can take months or even years.

Tim Peake weighs in on Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s return to Earth

British astronaut Tim Peake, who spent six months on the ISS, shared his post-space struggles. Speaking on RadioX, Peake described the rough transition back to gravity, recalling his post-space experience.

"For me, going into space was no problem at all, but for the first two days on Earth, I felt pretty rough," he admitted, adding, "I think Butch and Suni will be feeling a bit rough right now. You know, the whole body is just getting used to gravity. The vestibular systems a bit messed up. You feel dizzy, a bit nauseous. So, it'll take them a couple of days to get over that."

NASA astronauts could face radiation sickness and cancer risk, doctor warns

Pulmonologist and Air Force veteran Dr Vinay Gupta told the Daily Mail that Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will require a rigorous six-week rehabilitation program to regain strength. However, beyond muscle loss and balance issues, radiation exposure poses a long-term health risk.

“If I was their physician, I would think about a more proactive strategy for cancer screening,” Dr Gupta cautioned, “We want to take a different approach here, given that they had such a unique exposure history.”

NASA follows strict post-mission protocols to monitor astronauts' health, including radiation exposure assessments and long-term screenings.

For Williams and Wilmore, rehabilitation will focus on walking, flexibility, and muscle strengthening, while their medical team keeps a close watch on potential radiation-related illnesses.