Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Face Challenges Readjusting to Earth's Gravity
Image credits: Times of India
Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are expected to return to Earth on March 19, after spending more than eight months in microgravity in space. However, their return to Earth's gravity will be a challenging experience, as their bodies readapt to life on the planet. The sudden change in gravity could lead to discomfort and a feeling of heaviness, making everyday tasks, such as lifting a pencil, feel like a workout. Williams and Wilmore have already experienced the effects of microgravity, with their bodies adapting to the lack of gravity in space.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has conducted experiments that show the potential risks of cartilage degradation due to reduced movement in microgravity. The lack of movement can lead to cartilage thinning and cellular clustering, which are early indicators of arthritis. Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have found that jumping exercises can boost cartilage in mice, and similar training could be used as a preventive measure for astronauts. Williams will undergo a rigorous rehabilitation program to regain strength and bone density, while Wilmore has stated that "floating in space is a lot of fun" and is optimistic about their return.
Despite the challenges, Williams and Wilmore are embracing their extended stay in space, rejecting the label of "stranded astronauts." They were initially supposed to spend 10 days in space, but thruster malfunctions and astronaut assignment changes led to their extended stay. The astronauts have been focused on their duties, with Williams setting a record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman. They are set to board SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft for a ride home, marking the end of their extended space journey. The experience of microgravity and the effects of cartilage degradation will be crucial in understanding the challenges of long-term space travel, particularly for future missions to Mars.
The return of Williams and Wilmore to Earth's gravity will be a significant step in understanding the effects of long-term space travel on the human body. The challenges they face will provide valuable insights for future space missions, particularly those that involve extended stays in microgravity. As space agencies plan for future missions to the moon and Mars, the issue of cartilage damage and readjusting to Earth's gravity will be a major concern. Researchers and scientists will be closely monitoring the rehabilitation process of Williams and Wilmore, hoping to gain a better understanding of the effects of microgravity on the human body.
Some of the key events and milestones in the journey of Williams and Wilmore include:
- Launch to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in June
- Extension of their stay due to thruster malfunctions and astronaut assignment changes
- Arrival of SpaceX's Crew-9 return mission in September
- Setting a record for the most cumulative spacewalking time by a woman by Williams
- Expected return to Earth on March 19 aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft
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