NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore landed on earth on 19 th of March, after over nine months aboard the International Space Station(ISS). Their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida. NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore are currently undergoing rehabilitation. The program is to help their body re-adjust with the Earth’s gravity. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore spent 288 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). They launched on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Crew-9 mission. What are they doing at NASA’s rehabilitation Centre.
Why Are They At Rehab Center?
After spending over 9 months in space, NASA astronauts have now re-entered Earth’s gravity and are currently undergoing a rehabilitation process to help their bodies re-adjust to the gravitational forces/changes. The prolonged stay under microgravity has left her struggling with severe health challenges, including bone density loss, and weakness. While at space, they float in microgravity effortlessly, the gravitational forces affects nearly every psychological system- This is why both Suni and Butch are at the rehab center to bring back their natural body condition adapted to the earth’s gravitational pull.
Bone Density
It is said that in microgravity, astronauts lose up to one to two per cent of total bone density per month, making them more prone to osteoporosis-like conditions and fractures. This bone density loss primarily happens due to the lack of gravitational force which causes severe calcium loss, affecting bone strength. According to NASA, this weakening can lead to long-term health risks if not properly managed. That’s why astronauts follow strict exercise routines in space and undergo extensive rehabilitation upon their return to rebuild their strength and prevent complications. Also, due toa lack of Vitamin D, astronauts’ bones tend to weaken over time. Apart from this, astronauts also suffer from bone density loss – Without gravity, bones lose minerals, becoming weaker and more prone to fractures.
Exercises They Undergo
- Gradual Weight-Bearing Workouts: Treadmill walking, running, and resistance training are key to rebuild muscle mass and strength
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplements: Essential for bone mineralization and recovery.
Hydrotherapy (water-based exercises): Helps to reintroduce gravitational load without excessive strain on weak muscles and bones.
Apart from these exercises, they will also undergo many muscle exercises and breathe exercises. It will at least take 45 days to complete all the exercises and activities that will bring both of them back to the life in the world. They will also be undergoing , walking and psychological counselling in rehab.
When Can They Go Home?
According to various reports, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore can likely meet their families after completing their 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program, which began following their return to Earth on March 18, 2025. They are currently at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, undergoing medical evaluations, physical therapy, and readjustment to Earth’s gravity after their 288-day stay on the International Space Station.
