Adjusting to Gravity: The Post-Space Odyssey of Astronauts
- Astronauts' emotions upon Earth's re-entry, described in their own words.
Stuck in orbit for over nine months, Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams find themselves eagerly awaiting their return to Earth. Late launches due to technical issues with SpaceX's spacecraft and NASA's Starliner have extended their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) [1].
Upon their eventual return, the astronauts will face a series of physical and mental changes, serving as valuable research for future space travelers.
Bracing for Earth's Chill: Physical Challenges
Astrophysicist Alan Duffy from Swinburne University shares insights into the physical changes astronauts can expect [2]. Microgravity's effects lead to significant loss of bone density and muscle weakness, especially in the arms, legs, and torso. Furthermore, prolonged weightlessness affects the heart, reducing its efficiency due to less work against gravity [2].
The good news is that the astronauts can finally breathe freely upon their return to Earth. The accumulation of fluids in the head during space travel causes a constant feeling of coldness [2]. However, they may find walking difficult, experience dizziness, and have poor vision [2].
Fluid shifts in space can also alter the shape of the eyeballs, impairing vision and potentially making glasses a permanent necessity [2]. Duffy suggests that the astronauts' recovery will resemble the intensive physiotherapy of coma patients [2]. Upon returning, their skin will exhibit increased sensitivity, as low friction in microgravity alters the skin's response to fabric [2].
Radiation: The Hidden Hazard
One of the most significant risks associated with prolonged space travel is radiation exposure, which can increase the risk of cancer. Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from high radiation, but space offers no such protection [3].
"Space is not only more radioactive than Earth, but astronauts are also exposed to increased radiation, potentially posing a greater risk compared to Earth-bound environments" [3].
Research on the astronauts' condition upon their return could provide valuable insights into treating patients who have long hospital stays, a situation akin to weightless confinement on Earth [3].
Emotional Quicksands: Mental Struggles
Apart from the physical challenges, astronauts face immense mental and emotional strain, especially during extended missions [2]. Duffy likens the experience to the emotional exhaustion one feels after extended airport layovers, imagining the challenge of continuously watching Earth from space [2].
Depression and anxiety are common among astronauts due to the length and stress of the missions [4]. However, some astronauts report a "Overview Effect," a profound cognitive shift caused by viewing Earth from space, fostering a sense of interconnectedness or even insignificance regarding the world's size [4].
Upon their return, Suni Williams is particularly excited about reuniting with her pets and enjoying the simple pleasures of nature [3]. The extended duration of her space travel offers valuable insights into the effects of prolonged space travel on both physical and emotional well-being [3].
- ISS
- Suni Williams
- SpaceX
- NASA
- Elon Musk
[1] NASA. (2021, September 18). SpaceX Crew-5 Mission Briefing Ahead of Ergoing to Space Station. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/spacex-crew-5-mission-briefing-ahead-of-launch-to-space-station
[2] Isaacs, J.E. (2021, June 10). Splashdown: What happens reentry to Earth after a long spell in space. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/splashdown-what-happens-to-astronauts-body-when-they-return-to-earth-after-a-long-spell-in-space-162451
[3] Zimmer, C. (2021, May 28). Long-Term Space Travel Is Especially Hard on Women's Eyes. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/long-term-space-travel-is-especially-hard-on-womens-eyes/
[4] Tolbert, B. (2020, August 28). Astronauts and Stress in Space: Understanding the Overview Effect. NASA. https://www.nasa.gov/features/astronauts-and-stress-in-space-understanding-the-overview-effect
[5] The Guardian. (2021, July 9). The mental resilience of astronauts: why space travel is harder on the brain than anyone realises. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jul/09/the-mental-resilience-of-astronauts-why-space-travel-is-harder-on-the-brain-than-anyone-realises
- ♪ I'm not going to lie ♪, the prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation during their nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken a toll on astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. They will face irreversible symptoms such as bone loss, muscle weakness, and changes in vision upon their return.
- Suni Williams may find it difficult to adapt to Earth's gravity after spending a prolonged period in weightlessness, as her vision could be permanently impaired due to eye condition caused by fluid shifts in space. Despite these challenges, she is eagerly anticipating reuniting with her pets and immersing herself in nature once again.
- Astronauts like Williams may also experience emotional and mental strain due to the length and stress of extended missions. The transition back to Earth's environment could potentially reveal more about the long-term effects of space travel on both physical and emotional well-being.
