Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, NASA astronauts, carried on stretchers after their landing – find out why |
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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore made their return to Earth after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Initially slated for just eight days, their mission was extended due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Upon landing aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, both astronauts were carried off on stretchers—a standard NASA procedure for astronauts returning from long-duration space flights. This protocol helps mitigate the physical challenges posed by prolonged weightlessness. Discover the fascinating reasons behind this crucial procedure after their historic journey.
Why were NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on stretchers after returning from space
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were rolled off their SpaceX Dragon capsule on stretchers after a nine-month space mission on the International Space Station (ISS). This was not because of any medical crisis but rather an essential safety procedure. After months in the microgravity state of space, the bodies of astronauts undergo drastic changes. Extended periods of weightlessness cause muscles and bone density to weaken, and the fluids in the body move towards the upper part of the body. This hinders astronauts from standing or walking as soon as they land on Earth, where gravity once again impacts their bodies.
The stretcher transports astronauts safely out of the capsule to prevent strain or injury as their bodies adapt. “It’s important to acclimate astronauts back to Earth’s gravity,” says retired NASA scientist John DeWitt. The process, though painful, is a matter of astronaut safety and recovery after the mission. Though astronauts such as Williams and Wilmore would rather not be carried, NASA requires this process for their health during the re-entry phase.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore return from space: Health impacts explained
- Muscle and bone health: In microgravity, muscles and bones weaken due to lack of gravitational resistance. Astronauts can lose 1% of bone mass per month, making them prone to fractures. They follow a strict exercise regimen to combat this.
- Cardiovascular changes: In space, the heart’s workload decreases, causing structural changes, such as the heart becoming more spherical. While temporary, it may reduce pumping efficiency.
- Fluid redistribution: Without gravity, fluids shift toward the head, causing puffiness and nasal congestion. Legs appear thinner and weaker due to fluid loss.
- Foot and spine adjustments: Astronauts can experience foot sensitivity and back pain after reentry as their feet and spine adjust to Earth’s gravity.
- Mental health strain: Long isolation, disrupted circadian rhythms, and confinement can lead to depression and cognitive issues.
- Radiation exposure: Prolonged exposure to space radiation increases the risk of immune system damage, cancer, and bone density loss.
