Crew-10 poised for return to Earth after months at ISS
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Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore begin 45-day rehab after unexpectedly long ISS stay
Extended stays in microgravity significantly affect the human body in multiple ways. These include bone and muscle loss, circulatory changes, vision impairment, and skin sensitivity. To mitigate these effects, astronauts on the ISS follow daily exercise routines. However, some loss is inevitable, and astronauts require months of rehabilitation after returning to Earth to regain their strength. In microgravity, the heart does less work because it doesn’t need to pump blood against gravity. Blood distribution shifts, leading to puffy face and thinner legs.
Extended stays in microgravity, such as those aboard the International Space Station (ISS), significantly affect the human body in multiple ways, including bone and muscle loss, circulatory changes, vision impairment, and skin sensitivity.
Bone and muscle loss
Without the gravitational resistance, astronauts experience a loss of bone density at a rate of about 1-2% per month and muscle atrophy, particularly in the legs, trunk, and even the heart. To mitigate these effects, astronauts on the ISS follow daily exercise routines. However, some loss is inevitable, and astronauts require months of rehabilitation after returning to Earth to regain their strength.
Circulatory and cardiovascular changes
In microgravity, the heart does less work because it doesn’t need to pump blood against gravity. Blood distribution shifts, leading to a puffy face and thinner legs, and fluids accumulate in the head, causing astronauts to feel as though they have a constant cold. These changes in circulation increase the risk of blood clots, which scientists monitor closely upon the astronauts’ return to Earth.
Vision impairment and brain fluid accumulation
Astronauts often develop vision problems due to fluid buildup in the head, which alters the shape of the eyeball. This condition, known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), can cause blurred vision, and in some cases, astronauts may need to wear glasses permanently.
Skin sensitivity
Microgravity also increases skin sensitivity. With clothing floating away from the skin, astronauts experience softer, more sensitive skin. Upon returning to Earth, some astronauts report that everyday fabrics feel like sandpaper against their skin.
Radiation exposure
One of the major risks of long-duration space travel is radiation exposure. Without Earth’s protective atmosphere and magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation, which increases their risk of developing cancer and neurological disorders.
Sunita Williams Highlights: ISRO, PM Modi hail Sunita Williams’ return
Astronaut Suni Williams and crew return to Earth after nine-month stay on the ISS. The crew is made up of Russian, American and British crew members. The mission was supposed to last three weeks, but was extended by a week and a half due to problems with the ISS’ thrusters. The team is now preparing to fly back to Earth.
NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth at 5:57 pm EDT (3:30 am IST).
ALSO READ: Sunita Williams’ space journey: Who is Indian-American astronaut, what did she eat in space? All you need to know
Their SpaceX Dragon spacecraft successfully undocked from the ISS on Wednesday. The astronaut crew, which includes Williams, Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashed down off Florida’s coast.
Williams and Wilmore had initially planned to stay on the ISS for about a week but were stranded there after arriving in June last year. They were transported to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
Who is Sunita Williams? Is she Indian?
Known for her record-breaking accomplishments, Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, to Mumbai Indian-American neuroanatomist Deepak Pandya and Slovene-American Ursuline Bonnie (Zalokar) Pandya.
As per NASA, She considers Needham, Massachusetts to be her hometown. Suni and her husband Michael enjoy hanging out with their dogs, working out, working on houses, working on cars, working on airplanes, hiking and camping.
Sunita Williams Return Live Updates: Continue to follow more updates here
NASA astronauts Williams and Wilmore undergo rehab after nine months in space
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have begun a 45-day rehabilitation program to help them adapt to Earth’s gravity. The duo made a safe return to Earth early Wednesday, as SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida. Having spent months in microgravity, the astronauts will undergo intensive physical reconditioning to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity. Their situation gained widespread attention, sparking debates about space travel safety and even political discussions. The rehabilitation process begins immediately upon landing and involves two-hour daily sessions.
The duo made a safe return to Earth early Wednesday, as SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission successfully splashed down off the coast of Florida. Having spent months in microgravity, the astronauts will undergo intensive physical reconditioning to help their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity.
Astronauts returning from space often experience physiological changes, including fluid shifts that cause puffy faces, muscle atrophy leading to “chicken legs,” temporary height increase, and reduced bone density.
Microgravity affects various aspects of the human body, including aerobic capacity, muscle strength, endurance, stamina, balance, coordination, bone density, and neurovestibular function. Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists have implemented a structured reconditioning program aimed at restoring the astronauts’ physical health.
The rehabilitation process begins immediately upon landing and involves two-hour daily sessions, seven days a week, for 45 days. The program is customized for each astronaut based on test results, medical status, and mission roles.
The rehabilitation is divided into three phases. The first phase starts on landing day and focuses on mobility, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. The second phase incorporates proprioceptive exercises and cardiovascular training, while the third and longest phase prioritizes functional development.
Past cases have shown that astronauts often regain and, in some cases, even improve upon their pre-flight physical condition after completing this program.
Williams and Wilmore’s prolonged stay in space was unplanned. They launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5 last year for what was supposed to be an eight-day mission.
However, technical issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system forced it to return without them, extending their stay aboard the ISS. Their situation gained widespread attention, sparking debates about space travel safety and even political discussions.
The return process began after Crew-10 arrived at the ISS on Sunday, allowing Williams, Wilmore, NASA’s Nick Hague, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to begin preparations for their journey home.
Seventeen hours after departing the ISS, their SpaceX Dragon capsule safely splashed down at 3:27 a.m. IST. Following their retrieval from the capsule, they were immediately sent for medical evaluations before beginning their rehabilitation.
NASA Sunita Williams SpaceX Crew-9 Return LIVE Updates: PM Modi, ISRO chief, political leaders hail Sunita Williams’ return after SpaceX rescue mission
Prayers are being offered at the Dola Mata Temple in Jhulasan, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. Williams, along with other astronauts, has begun her journey back after spending more than nine months on the International Space Station (ISS) Union Minister Jitendra Singh also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Williams on March 1 expressing his concern for this ‘daughter of India’ The letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians.
NASA Sunita Williams Spacex Crew-9 Return LIVE Updates | Prayers held at Dola Mata temple in Gujarat for astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return
Prayers are being offered at the Dola Mata Temple in Jhulasan, the native village of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, for her safe return to Earth. Williams, along with other astronauts, has begun her journey back after spending more than nine months on the International Space Station (ISS).
Dinesh Pandya, a priest at the temple, said, “We are all very happy and we have been praying for her (NASA astronaut Sunita Williams) for the last nine months. When she went to space for the first time, she took a picture of Dola Mata with her. Whenever she comes to India, she definitely visits the temple.” Dinesh Rawal, Sunita Williams’s cousin brother in Gujarat, expressed his happiness and said that she is the pride of the nation.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Sunita Williams on March 1 expressing his concern for this ‘daughter of India’.
“The heartfelt letter was sent to Sunita through astronaut Mike Massimino, reflecting the pride of 1.4 billion Indians. A few days ago, PM Modi met Massimino at an event and requested that this letter from him and the people of India must reach her. Wishing her strength and a safe return, the PM reaffirmed India’s deep bond with its illustrious daughter. Sunita, in turn, touched by the gesture, expressed her gratitude to PM Modi and India,” Jitendra Singh said.
PM Modi in his letter mentioned that 1.4 billion Indians have always taken pride in her achievements and he looks forward to her safe return home.
“I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you,” PM Modi wrote in his letter to Sunita.
– ANI
Four New Crewmates Adjust to Station Life Following Crew-9 Return
Four Expedition 72 crewmates are getting used to life aboard the International Space Station following their arrival on Saturday. Meanwhile, a U.S. cargo craft is poised to be released from the orbital outpost ending a seven-and-a-half-month stay. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 commander Nick Hague returned to Earth with NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov on Tuesday. One more spacecraft is due to depart the ISS this week as the Cygnus space freighter nears the end of its cargo mission that began on Aug. 4, 2024.Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
iss072e742802 (March 9, 2025) — NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Suni Williams peers at the Earth below from inside the International Space Station’s cupola. The orbital outpost was soaring 260 miles above the Indian Ocean at the time of this photograph.
Four Expedition 72 crewmates are getting used to life aboard the International Space Station following their arrival on Saturday and the departure of the SpaceX Crew-9 mission on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a U.S. cargo craft is poised to be released from the orbital outpost ending a seven-and-a-half-month stay.
New NASA Flight Engineers Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers began Wednesday unpacking cargo stowed inside the SpaceX Dragon Endurance spacecraft. Afterward, the duo transferred standard emergency hardware from the station into Dragon and reconfigured the spacecraft for docked operations. After a midday meal McClain and Ayers spent the rest of the day getting used to life on orbit and familiarizing themselves with space station systems.
Their SpaceX Crew-10 crewmates, Takuya Onishi of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration agency) and Kirill Peskov of Roscosmos also participated in Dragon cargo transfers and station orientation activities. Onishi helped unpack Dragon, reviewed upcoming science operations, then worked out on the advanced resistive exercise device. Kirill tested computers that receive video from the European robotic arm, worked on life support systems, then got up to speed with life in microgravity.
The new Crew-10 quartet replaces the Crew-9 mission which undocked from the Harmony module early Tuesday in the Dragon spacecraft and splashed down off the coast of Florida near Tallahassee on the same day. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 commander Nick Hague returned to Earth with NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Hague and Gorbunov completed a 171-day mission that began on Sept. 28, 2024. Williams and Wilmore wrapped up 286 days in space following their mission that began on June 5, 2024.
One more spacecraft is due to depart the International Space Station this week as the Cygnus space freighter nears the end of its cargo mission that began on Aug. 4, 2024. The uncrewed, trash-filled Cygnus is due to be removed by the Canadarm2 robotic arm from the Unity module’s Earth-facing port then released into Earth orbit at 6:55 a.m. EDT on Friday, March 28. Cygnus will reenter Earth’s atmosphere above the South Pacific Ocean for a fiery, but safe demise.
The station’s other three residents have been orbiting Earth since Sept. 11, 2024, when they launched from Kazakhstan and docked to the Rassvet module aboard the Soyuz MS-26 crew ship. Now, NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit and Roscosmos cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner are approaching the end of their mission scheduled for April 19. When they undock from the station in their Soyuz spacecraft Expedition 73 will officially begin.
First up will be the arrival of the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft due to launch on April 8 carrying NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky. Kim and Zubritsky will be beginning their first space mission while Ryzhikov will be serving on his third expedition to the orbiting lab.
Learn more about station activities by following the space station blog, @space_station and @ISS_Research on X, as well as the ISS Facebook and ISS Instagram accounts.
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Source: https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2025/08/crew-10-return/