Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore Start 45 Day Recovery

After spending an unexpected nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth and begun an intensive 45-day rehabilitation program. Originally meant to be on a short mission, the duo was stranded in space due to propulsion issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. Their prolonged exposure to microgravity has led to several physiological effects, making post-flight rehabilitation essential for a full recovery.

Why Astronauts Need Rehabilitation After Spaceflight

Extended stays in microgravity significantly impact the human body. Upon returning, astronauts often experience:

• Swollen heads due to fluid shifts
  
• Thinner legs (nicknamed “chicken legs”)
  
• Temporary height increase as the spine expands
  
• Weakened muscles and bones, leading to reduced bone density and strength
  

To counteract these effects and help their bodies adapt to Earth’s gravity, astronauts undergo a carefully designed 45-day rehabilitation program.

Inside the 45-Day Rehabilitation Program

This structured program is overseen by the Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) team. It involves daily two-hour sessions, seven days a week, and is tailored to each astronaut’s specific needs.

Three Phases of Rehabilitation

1. Phase 1 – Immediate Recovery (Landing Day Onward)
   
   • Focuses on regaining mobility, balance, and muscle flexibility.
     
   • Helps astronauts adjust to standing and walking under Earth’s gravity.
     
2. Phase 2 – Strength & Endurance Training
   
   • Includes cardiovascular workouts and proprioceptive exercises.
     
   • Enhances coordination, stamina, and muscle function.
     
3. Phase 3 – Full Functional Recovery
   
   • The longest phase, aimed at restoring complete physical capabilities.
     
   • Prepares astronauts for normal daily activities and future missions.
     

The Long-Term Impact of Microgravity

According to NASA, prolonged exposure to microgravity can permanently alter physiological functions. It affects blood circulation, heart function, bone density, and muscular strength, making rehabilitation a crucial step for returning astronauts.

With the 45-day rehabilitation program, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will gradually regain their strength and adapt back to life on Earth, preparing for potential future space missions.