NASA astronaut who was stranded in space retires
Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth on March 19 aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule which splashed down off the coast of Florida. The pair had left Earth in June last year, planning to undertake an eight–day test flight of the new Boeing Starliner capsule. However, after the Starliner capsule developed numerous technical issues during the flight, the astronauts were forced to wait until the next crew rotation to return to Earth.
In total, the pair spent 286 days in space – 278 days more than they had initially planned. Many fans have flocked to social media to wish Wilmore well, with one joking: 'I wouldn't test my luck either.'
Another added: 'Being up there that long did all kinds of things to their bodies. He probably had no choice.' Wilmore announced his retirement via NASA last night. 'From my earliest days, I have been captivated by the marvels of creation, looking upward with an insatiable curiosity,' he said.
'This curiosity propelled me into the skies, and eventually to space, where the magnificence of the cosmos mirrored the glory of its creator in ways words can scarcely convey. 'Even as I ventured beyond Earth's limits, I remained attuned to the beauty and significance of the world below, recognizing the same intricate design evident among the stars is also woven into the fabric of life at home.'
Wilmore served as a test pilot before being selected as a NASA astronaut in 2000. 'Butch's commitment to NASA's mission and dedication to human space exploration is truly exemplary,' said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. 'His lasting legacy of fortitude will continue to impact and inspire the Johnson workforce, future explorers, and the nation for generations. On behalf of NASA's Johnson Space Center, we thank Butch for his service.'
In total, he spent 464 days in space – 286 of which were accumulated during his most recent mission. After his return, Mr Wilmore's daughter, Daryn, 19, spoke out about her father's health challenges after spending more than nine months in space. She explained that while her dad had readjusted to gravity well, he struggled with his muscles, joints and inner ears.
That was 'because [he's] not used to gravity or having to hold up weight,' she said in response to a comment in a TikTok video. Research has shown that astronauts who complete long–term mission on the ISS — which usually last six months — experience muscle and bone loss as well as fluid shifts inside the inner ear due to low gravity. While it typically only takes a few days for the inner ear to readjust to Earth's gravity, regaining physical strength can take weeks to months.
Some former astronauts have found that it can take up to 1.5 times the length of their mission to really feel like themselves again. On X, several users have speculated that his exended stint in space may have sparked his retirement. 'Smart move if you stranded me in space for 9 months I would not fly for you either,' one user tweeted. Another added: 'Well hell can you blame him. 'They were stuck in space for damn near a year. I'd never take another mission after that.'
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