• Source:JND
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NASA astronaut Sunita Williams is preparing to return to Earth after spending nearly 10 months aboard the International Space Station (ISS). However, the journey back to Earth's gravity presents its own set of challenges, one of which is the phenomenon known as "baby feet".

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao explained that prolonged exposure to weightlessness causes astronauts to lose foot calluses, resulting in unusually soft soles upon their return to Earth. "You basically lose the thick part of the skin on your feet. You kind of have baby feet when you come back," Chiao told NewsNation Prime. However, he reassured that foot calluses regenerate quickly once astronauts begin walking on solid ground again.

The prolonged delay of Williams and her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore's return sparked political controversy in the United States. President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk criticised the Biden administration for not acting quickly enough to bring the astronauts back home. The delay stemmed from complications with Boeing’s new Starliner capsule, which was originally meant to return the duo. The Starliner experienced multiple technical issues en route to the space station, leading NASA to deem it unsafe for crew transport. As a result, it was sent back to Earth without passengers.

Sunita Williams Set To Return To Earth On March 16

NASA has since finalised a new return plan, with Crew-9 launching today to facilitate Williams and Wilmore’s homecoming. The astronauts will return aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, expected to bring them back on March 16. The final leg of their journey, from undocking to splashdown off the coast of Florida, will take less than an hour, according to NASA astronaut Terry Virts.

Williams and Wilmore originally expected to spend just a week at the ISS when they launched last June. However, the delays with Starliner extended their stay significantly. Their return was further postponed due to additional preparation time needed for the SpaceX capsule that will bring their replacements.

As the astronauts adjust to life back on Earth, they will undergo rehabilitation to readapt to gravity. Apart from "baby feet," returning astronauts often experience muscle weakness, balance issues, and cardiovascular readjustments due to months of microgravity. NASA’s medical team will closely monitor their recovery to ensure a smooth transition back to normal conditions.