'I Couldn't get up when I wanted to…' Sunita Williams opens up about post-space mission recovery
After spending an extraordinary 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS),
NASA
astronauts
Sunita Williams
and Butch Wilmore have opened up about the physical and emotional challenges of their return to Earth. The mission, which was plagued by delays and a stranded return due to technical issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, took a serious toll on both astronauts. Since landing in March 2025, they have been undergoing rigorous physical therapy to recover muscle mass, balance, and mobility. Despite completing their rehabilitation, both report lingering health issues, such as back pain and extreme fatigue, months after their return.
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams reveals about physical and emotional toll in recovery
Both astronauts underwent intensive daily rehabilitation that included at least two hours of strength and conditioning exercises. These sessions aimed to rebuild lost muscle mass and recondition their bodies to Earth's gravity. Wilmore, aged 62, admitted to still suffering from back pain, despite completing his therapy. Photos taken after landing revealed he had lost significant weight, particularly in the face. Williams, aged 59, experienced extreme fatigue and struggled to stand up for weeks after the mission. The physical strain of spending nearly ten months in microgravity was apparent in their slow recovery and ongoing discomfort.
Mental health and isolation challenges in recovery
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now
Tips and Tricks
Undo
In addition to the physical struggles, Williams and Wilmore spoke about the psychological effects of being isolated in space. Spending 24 hours a day with the same crew in a confined environment led to moments of tension, although they described any interpersonal issues as minor. NASA provided both with mental health support, including regular consultations with doctors and psychiatrists. Despite the mental toll, both astronauts remained composed and focused during their mission. Their ability to cope with such prolonged isolation has highlighted the importance of psychological preparedness for future deep space missions.
What were the issues with starliner spacecraft that delayed the astronauts return
The duo's extended mission was not planned. Originally meant to return on Boeing's Starliner craft in 2024, they were left stranded due to multiple system malfunctions. NASA and Boeing had to cancel the return and prepare a new spacecraft, delaying their homecoming until March 2025. This led to an unanticipated extension of their stay aboard the ISS. While the astronauts remained confident about their eventual return, the episode cast doubts on the reliability of Starliner, which will now have to undergo uncrewed test missions to regain NASA's confidence.
Returning slow to normal life
Despite concluding their formal rehabilitation, Williams and Wilmore are only now beginning to feel like themselves again. Williams, known as an early riser, struggled to regain her regular sleep cycle and only recently reported waking up refreshed. The process of re-engaging muscles and regaining normal physiological function took far longer than anticipated. Both astronauts appeared visibly changed in their first public appearance post-rehab, though Williams noted she finally felt like her old self by late May. Their story reflects the harsh and long-lasting impact space travel can have on the human body.
Future of commercial crew missions
NASA's commercial crew programme, which partners with private companies like Boeing and SpaceX, is now under scrutiny. Boeing's £4.5 billion Starliner project must prove its viability through further unmanned missions before it is cleared to carry astronauts again. While NASA stresses the importance of having multiple spacecraft providers, the failures that led to Williams and Wilmore's extended mission raise significant safety and reliability concerns. The astronauts' experiences underscore the need for robust testing and contingency planning as space agencies aim for longer and more ambitious missions in the future.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Man enough to pop the pill?
CHENNAI: Following the social media buzz around the YCT-529, a hormone-free and orally administered male contraceptive pill and a shot being developed in the US that could potentially change the birth control landscape, TOI conducted an online survey in Chennai, where the first question asked was whether using a male contraceptive might affect fertility. A resounding 73% of respondents said they would never consider it. 'Condoms? Any day. But a male contraceptive pill? Never,' says Jason Thyagarajan. 'They may say it's non-hormonal, but these pills are known to cause hormonal imbalances. They're like medical castration,' adds the 27-year-old IT professional from Chennai. Fears of reduced libido, infertility and a perceived threat to masculinity continue to dominate the conversation. Pankaj says he is worried about pill-induced impotency. 'Even some regular medicines are known to cause erectile dysfunction and lower the sex drive. I wouldn't want to take something that would definitely cause this problem,' he says. These individual fears reflect a broader imbalance in how contraception is viewed in India, where studies say women shoulder 80% of contraceptive responsibility from pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) to injections and surgical methods such as a tubectomy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Men, on the other hand, have far fewer choices such as condoms and spermicidal creams. While vasectomy is a permanent option, it is often ruled out by many due to persistent fears that it could reduce libido or cause impotency, a belief that medical experts insist is unfounded. The hesitation, say doctors, often comes down to one thing: masculinity. 'A man's only concern is that his erection and ejaculation should be unaffected, neither his sex drive. While male contraceptive pills are the way to go and do not affect libido, the lack of social acceptance and myths surrounding a male contraceptive pill have slowed down studies and research on temporary male contraception. So much so that Gossypol a drug developed in the early 1970s, was discontinued and research was shelved because men were worried about impotency,' says Dr P M Gopinath, director for reproductive medicine at Kauvery, Vadapalani. 'And such is the concern about the male sex drive that many women prefer to take contraception themselves, rather than risk it with their partners,' he says. Gurumitraa Rathinam, 27, says men need to take a more proactive role in contraception and its long overdue. 'When there's an opportunity for them to share the burden, it's only fair that men also take the pill. This also shows that they care for their partner,' she says. Men want to use contraception methods that are convenient, like a condom or a spermicidal gel, rather than putting themselves and their bodies through pills, says Dr Narayana Reddy, consultant of sexual medicine at Apollo Hospitals. 'The pills are affordable and easy to use. Social acceptance will come only through awareness of what it does to your body. Many men still believe that vasectomy causes impotency, so getting them on the pill can be a task.'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
KaBHI staff want to continue services
Mangaluru: Healthcare personnel employed under the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (KaBHI) have appealed to the health and family welfare minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to continue their employment across all districts in the state. A delegation of KaBHI staff met the minister during a grievance meeting at the Circuit House in Mangaluru on Saturday, and submitted a memorandum. They explained that nearly 165 staff members including neurologists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, clinical psychologists, nurses, and district co-ordinators will lose their jobs if the govt conducts separate recruitments without considering the experience of those who are currently working in various districts. "We worked under the KaBHI programme since Dec 2023, after successfully writing the exam and passing the interview conducted through Nimhans. While working as per the guidelines of the Karnataka govt, we ensured that the KaBHI programme, the first brain health initiative in India, was implemented successfully in the state. However, preparations are being made to conduct fresh recruitments. Those who are working at present in all districts should be allowed to continue in the services," the delegation urged. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo They also pointed out that fresh recruitment will incur huge expenditure for the govt. "The govt will have to spend a huge amount on the appointment process, and to train the newly appointed staff. Moreover, the existing services under the KaBHI programme are also likely to be affected if all the staff are recruited afresh. We urge the govt to stop the fresh recruitments and invite applications only for the vacant posts," the delegation urged the minister. Rao contacted the officials in Bengaluru and assured the delegation that he will do the needful at the earliest.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CM launches construction work on govt Unani college & hospital
Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Saturday launched construction work on the 200-bed Government Unani Medical College and Hospital (GUMCH), which is being built at a cost of Rs 264 crore on the premises of the Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), here. The GUMCH is being constructed in an area of 10 acres, a health department official said on Saturday. After launching the construction work, the CM inspected the premises. He said the construction of the GUMCH should be carried out swiftly and efficiently. "Providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare to every citizen of the state is our priority. Bihar has always had a deep connection with Unani medicine, so the state govt is working towards strengthening this medical system. Efforts are also being made to provide the public with excellent healthcare facilities even in Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, and Unani," the CM said. "On Nov 22, 2021, the CM had visited the existing premises of the Government Unani Medical College and Hospital. At that time, the condition of its building was not good. Therefore, the CM identified another location in Patna and instructed the expansion and construction of new and better buildings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo For this purpose, 10 acres of land adjacent to the NMCH was identified," a communique issued from the CM's office (CMO) said. "Once the construction is complete, the GUMCH will be relocated from its old premises to the new building," Nitish said. "Under this project, provisions have been made for a 200-bed hospital, an auditorium with a capacity of 500, a boys' hostel with a capacity of 400, a girls' hostel with a capacity of 350, a medicine manufacturing unit, and housing for the college's faculty and other staff. A total of 150 students per year will be enrolled in this medical college," the communique said. "All buildings under construction are equipped with earthquake-resistant structures, solar lighting and rainwater harvesting systems. The college and hospital buildings will be air-conditioned. The project is expected to be completed within 30 months," the communique added.
