NASA’s 45-Day Plan: How Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will recover on Earth

Sunita Williams is back on Earth after an unexpected delay. The 59-year-old astronaut, along with Butch Wilmore, had planned a short stay. Instead, they spent nine months aboard the International Space Station. Their return was made possible by SpaceX’s Crew-9 rescue mission. Now, the astronauts will undergo a 45-day rehabilitation programme. This will help them adjust to Earth's gravity after months in space.

Recovery After a Long Space Stay
NASA has a structured plan for returning astronauts. The rehabilitation programme starts immediately after landing. It lasts six weeks and includes daily medical tests. Astronauts will also undergo physical therapy for two hours each day. The aim is to help their bodies regain strength and balance.

The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR) team oversees this process. They focus on muscle recovery and cardiovascular conditioning. Long missions in space cause fluid shifts in the body. This can lead to dizziness and heart muscle shrinkage. Training includes treadmill exercises, cycling, and resistance workouts.

A Rescue Mission to Bring Them Home
Williams and Wilmore were only meant to stay for eight days. However, their spacecraft malfunctioned, extending their time in space. SpaceX then adjusted its Crew-9 mission to bring them back. Originally designed for four astronauts, it carried just two. This allowed room for Williams and Wilmore on the return trip.