Returning Starliner astronauts may face new challenges with bodies readjusting to Earth
Early Tuesday morning, Williams and Wilmore, commonly known as the Starliner astronauts, boarded a SpaceX Dragon capsule docked at the International Space Station and began their journey back to Earth. They are expected to return, splashing just off the Florida coast, on Thursday evening, just before 6 p.m. EST.
Here's what to know about how Williams and Wilmore's bodies will readjust to life back on Earth's surface.
Though research about the stressors on skin obtained from long-duration spaceflights has largely been inconsistent, scientists do know one thing for sure: astronauts tend to report itches, rashes and dryness of the skin, according to report published in Biomedicines.
These issues are thought to be related to the hygiene environment on the International Space Station, which is limited to liquid soap, a small amount of water and rinse-less shampoo, according to the National Air and Space Museum. After applying soap and water, astronauts use towels to wipe up any excess water and an airflow system nearby evaporates what is left, as no water goes to waste on the space station.
Other factors, like temperature, limited air circulation, low humidity levels and irritating substances including biosensors and tape can also affect an astronaut's skin, the Biomedicines report states.
Spaced out: NASA's stranded astronauts will have to readjust after return to Earth
While on the International Space Station, especially for a longer period of time, astronauts may experience puffy faces or eyes, which is a symptom of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome, or SANS.
Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome is actually a variety of different symptoms found in astronauts who have endured long-duration space flight. There are several different factors of being in space that may lead to SANS, including cephalad fluid shift (the shift of bodily fluids to the head due to a lack of gravity), increased intracranial pressure (additional pressure to the brain) and changes in the lymphatic drainage systems, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
All of these symptoms, and others, may result in the decreased near-vision, headaches and/or puffy eyes, to name a few.
According to NASA, 70% of International Space Station astronauts have experienced some sort of SANS symptoms.
Though may astronauts only experience these symptoms in space, some changes are permanent, according to NASA. Research on the long-term effects of Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome is ongoing.
While some spaceflight effects may clear up back on Earth, other may take longer to manage. Upon returning to Earth, some astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance, the difficulty or inability to stand or walk as a result of light headedness or fainting, according to NASA.
Orthostatic intolerance occurs when an astronaut's body has difficulty adjusting back to Earth's gravity. On Earth, bodily fluids are pooled in the lower body, but in microgravity, which is what's on the International Space Station, astronauts' bodily fluids begin to move toward the upper part of the body and head.
When an astronaut suddenly returns to Earth's gravitational pull, fluids quickly move back down to the lower part of the body, leaving the head too quickly.
Physical changes aren't the only ones astronauts can expect upon returning to solid land.
Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic, said one change astronauts may experience is sensory overload.
"After months in the calm, controlled environment of space, the sensory changes may feel overwhelming. The pull of gravity might feel strange and uncomfortable, natural sunlight could seem too bright, and even everyday smells like grass or food might feel intense at first," Albers said. "These sensations take time to get used to again.
Transitioning back to a "normal" routine may also be difficult, Albers said. As life on the International Space Station is quite structured, with a strict schedule for eating, exercising and working, astronauts may feel overwhelmed by a more flexible life environment home.
"For example, an astronaut who is used to eating at the same time every day might find it tricky to adjust to family mealtimes that aren't as predictable," Albers said.
Though Albers hasn't worked with any astronauts directly during her time at the Cleveland Clinic, she recommended that Williams and Wilmore prioritize readjusting their basic needs upon returning home: Sleeping and eating. Though it may sound simple, she said, these are the cornerstones of well-being and stability.
Williams and Wilmore were the first crew tested flight of Boeing's Starliner, arriving on the International Space Station in June 2024. They were only meant to stay for a few days but not long after their arrival, NASA and Boeing engineers discovered technical issues with the spacecraft, which made a safe departure back to Earth on the Starliner no longer an option.
In September, Williams and Wilmore watched as the Starliner undocked the space station and headed back to Earth without them.
Rather than issue an emergency mission to return the two astronauts, NASA decided to keep Williams and Wilmore at the space station in order for it to be fully staffed.
Despite their stay being months longer than expected, the astronauts have only spoken positively about their time in orbit. In an exclusive interview with USA TODAY earlier this year, Williams and Wilmore shared the profound impact of witnessing Earth and the cosmos from the International Space Station. The two also insisted that their extended stay was all a part of the job, rather than the idea they were "stuck" at the station, as vocalized by President Donald Trump and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
On Saturday night, SpaceX Crew-10 arrived at the International Space Station, to both replace Williams and Wilmore and provide a ride back home. This new crew will remain on the space station for six months, conducing scientific experiments.
Contributing: Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Starliner astronauts may experience new health effects back on Earth
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