• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

After spending an unexpected nine months in space aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have completed their physical recovery back on Earth. Williams and Wilmore embarked on what was initially planned as an eight-day test flight aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Due to unexpected delays and technical evaluations, their mission stretched into a nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), culminating in their return to Earth in March.

Once back on Earth, the pair entered a standard 45-day rehabilitation program to help their bodies reacclimate to gravity. This involved retraining their muscles, restoring balance, and adjusting to the rigours of Earth’s environment. “Gravity stinks for a period,” Wilmore remarked in a Reuters interview, explaining that readjustment varies from person to person.

For Sunita Williams, recovery was a slow and steady process. She faced fatigue and muscle stiffness, particularly in the mornings, as her body reactivated muscles that had been dormant in space. “Then I’m up at four in the morning, and I’m like, Aha! I’m back,” she shared, signalling a breakthrough in her recovery.

Wilmore also encountered physical setbacks. He had neck and back issues before the flight that disappeared in space’s weightless environment but returned upon reentry. “We’re still floating in the capsule in the ocean, and my neck starts hurting, while we still hadn’t even been extracted yet,” he recalled humorously.

Starliner’s Technical Uncertainty

Their return highlighted not only human resilience but also ongoing technical challenges with the Starliner program. Due to these issues, NASA opted to return the capsule uncrewed and integrate the astronauts into regular ISS operations. Boeing has already absorbed around USD 2 billion in development costs, and discussions are underway about the next steps.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Shocker: Mother Of Four Children Kidnapped, Forcibly Converted And Married Off To Muslim Man In Sindh

Push For Uncrewed Test Flight

Williams expressed support for another uncrewed Starliner test flight, pointing to similar safety-first decisions made by SpaceX and Russian spacecraft programs. “I think that’s the correct path,” she said. “I’m hoping Boeing and NASA will decide on that same course of action” soon.

Awaiting Summer Test Results

NASA officials have stated that the outcome of testing scheduled for this summer will determine whether the Starliner is ready for its next crewed mission. For now, Williams and Wilmore remain focused on full recovery while advocating for the safe and reliable future of American space travel.

When asked what's next, Sunita Williams revealed she is looking forward to travelling to North America as her niece is graduating this weekend. Butch Wilmore, on the other hand, shared that he plans to enjoy a relaxing vacation in St. Lucia. 

ALSO READ: Did Elon Musk Get Kicked Out Of Trump Administration? Here's Truth Behind Doge Boss's Unceremonious Exit | 6-Point Explanation