Nasa astronauts return to Earth after nine months in space | BBC News

Summary

After nine months in space, Crew Nine astronauts, including Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, return to Earth. Their mission, originally planned for eight days, was delayed due to issues with the Boeing Starliner. Upon splashdown near Tallahassee, Florida, the astronauts face the difficult process of adjusting to Earth's gravity, experiencing symptoms like gravity sickness and skin irritation. Medical tests will assess long-term space travel effects, with a particular focus on the impact on women’s health. Despite psychological challenges, Williams and Wilmore maintain a positive outlook, contributing valuable data to the future of space exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The astronauts' mission was supposed to last 8 days but was extended to 9 months due to issues with the Boeing Starliner.
• 😀 After their splashdown off the Gulf Coast near Tallahassee, Florida, the astronauts began a long re-entry process.
• 😀 The recovery vessel took the astronauts from the water to a NASA plane, which then transported them to NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.
• 😀 Upon returning, the astronauts will experience significant physical discomfort from Earth's gravity, known as 'gravity sickness'.
• 😀 The adjustment to Earth's gravity after 9 months in space is more difficult than adjusting to space sickness when first arriving in space.
• 😀 The astronauts will undergo extensive medical testing, and their bodies were closely monitored during their time in space.
• 😀 A key area of interest is the long-term effects of space travel, especially regarding vision, which is a common issue for astronauts upon return.
• 😀 Sunny Williams' extended mission provides valuable data on how long-term space stays affect the female body, as women are underrepresented in these types of missions.
• 😀 The astronauts remained positive despite the uncertainty and the psychological challenges of their extended mission.
• 😀 The return of these astronauts provides important scientific data that could influence future space exploration, particularly long-term missions to the Moon or Mars.

Q & A

What was the original duration of the astronauts' mission?

The mission was initially supposed to last for 8 days, but it was extended due to issues with the Boeing Starliner, leading to a 9-month stay in space.

How did the astronauts return to Earth after their extended mission?

The astronauts boarded a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule and undocked after 2 hours. Their journey back to Earth took 17 hours, ending with splashdown off the Gulf Coast near Tallahassee, Florida.

What happens immediately after the astronauts splash down in the ocean?

After splashdown, a recovery vessel retrieves the astronauts, and they are transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston before reuniting with their families.

What physical challenges do astronauts face upon returning to Earth after a long space mission?

Astronauts experience gravity sickness, muscle heaviness, and irritation from the touch of clothing against their skin, as their bodies readjust to Earth's gravity after being in space for an extended period.

Why is it said that the adjustment to Earth's gravity is harder than adjusting to space conditions?

It is harder because the body has been accustomed to weightlessness in space for a long time. Returning to Earth involves regaining the strength to carry one's own body weight and dealing with the physical discomfort of gravity, which can feel overwhelming.

How long does the process of adjusting to Earth's gravity typically take?

The process can take some time and is especially difficult after a long duration in space, such as 9 months, where the effects on the body are more pronounced.

What kinds of medical tests do astronauts undergo after returning to Earth?

Astronauts undergo medical tests to assess the long-term effects of space travel, particularly its impact on vision, muscles, bones, and overall bodily functions. Aerospace doctors monitor their recovery closely.

How does Sunni Williams' extended stay in space contribute to scientific research?

Sunni Williams' extended stay in space provides valuable data about the long-term effects of space travel on the female body, helping to further our understanding of how space affects women, especially since only 11% of astronauts have been women.

What psychological challenges do astronauts face during long-term space missions?

Astronauts face emotional challenges due to uncertainty about their return, which can cause stress and homesickness. The extended isolation and lack of clear timelines can be destabilizing.

Despite the challenges, why do astronauts like Sunni Williams and Butch Wilmore remain positive during their missions?

Astronauts like Williams and Wilmore view the opportunity to stay longer in space as a valuable experience, both scientifically and personally. They remain positive due to their deep commitment to space exploration and the scientific data they are contributing.