Shocking before-and-after photos reveal the dramatic impact of 9 months in space on ‘stranded’ NASA astronauts

After spending nine months in space, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore landed on Earth.

Their trip to space that was supposed to last only eight days turned into months-long stay that was delayed multiple times due to technical setbacks.

Eventually, NASA opted to try and return the stranded astronauts home with a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead of Boeing.

The capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, marking their safe return.

Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
However, neither Williams nor Wilmore were able to step off the capsule physically. Instead, they were carried out and placed on stretchers. This isn’t unusual since astronauts returning from space have weakened muscles, which makes it difficult for them to walk under the force of the Earth’s gravity.

Now, before-and-after photos of the two show the impact of the 286 days stay in space on their bodies.
Concerns over their health were raised even during their stay in space, especially regarding severe weight loss and muscle atrophy.


Joe Raedle/Getty Images
One of the main issues with a longer stay in space, as reported by the Daily Mail is the effect of microgravity. Over time, it can cause swelling of the optic nerves of the eyes, flattening of the back of the eye, and to develop folds in the retina.

This condition known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) can cause fuzzy vision in about 70 per cent of all astronauts who go into space.


NASA/Keegan Barber/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
Williams, however, was ready to accept these challenges. In an interview with Fortune before her mission to space, she said, “It’s just what the human body does – it explores, among other things. We all have curiosity; we’re born with it. Maybe some of that gets pushed down a little bit by society and things going on around us, but we’re all curious and we want to explore. As a nation, this is one of those things that gives people hope and understanding about things that are bigger than themselves.”

During her interviews while in space, Williams addressed the impact of space on her body. “There’s a lot of changes that go on up here.

“But it’s funny, I think there’s some rumours around out there that I’m losing weight and stuff. I’m actually right at the same amount.”

Williams and Wilmore’s journey home took 17 hours.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

After spending nine months in space, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore landed on Earth.

Their trip to space that was supposed to last only eight days turned into months-long stay that was delayed multiple times due to technical setbacks.

Eventually, NASA opted to try and return the stranded astronauts home with a SpaceX Dragon capsule instead of Boeing.

The capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida, marking their safe return.

Kirk Sides/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images
However, neither Williams nor Wilmore were able to step off the capsule physically. Instead, they were carried out and placed on stretchers. This isn’t unusual since astronauts returning from space have weakened muscles, which makes it difficult for them to walk under the force of the Earth’s gravity.

Now, before-and-after photos of the two show the impact of the 286 days stay in space on their bodies.
Concerns over their health were raised even during their stay in space, especially regarding severe weight loss and muscle atrophy.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images
One of the main issues with a longer stay in space, as reported by the Daily Mail is the effect of microgravity. Over time, it can cause swelling of the optic nerves of the eyes, flattening of the back of the eye, and to develop folds in the retina.

This condition known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) can cause fuzzy vision in about 70 per cent of all astronauts who go into space.

NASA/Keegan Barber/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images
Williams, however, was ready to accept these challenges. In an interview with Fortune before her mission to space, she said, “It’s just what the human body does – it explores, among other things. We all have curiosity; we’re born with it. Maybe some of that gets pushed down a little bit by society and things going on around us, but we’re all curious and we want to explore. As a nation, this is one of those things that gives people hope and understanding about things that are bigger than themselves.”

During her interviews while in space, Williams addressed the impact of space on her body. “There’s a lot of changes that go on up here.

“But it’s funny, I think there’s some rumours around out there that I’m losing weight and stuff. I’m actually right at the same amount.”

Williams and Wilmore’s journey home took 17 hours.

Please SHARE this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Related Posts

They Had No Home, No Shoes, and Nothing to Lose—But When These Siblings Sang, Their Love Lit Up the Entire AGT Stage

The stage lights rose to reveal two small figures—one dressed in a simple white dress, the other in a faded hospital gown, supported by a walker. A…

Her Body Was Fragile, But Her Voice Was Steel—A Little Girl’s Song That Healed Wounds No Doctor Could Reach

In a world that often measures strength by the size of muscles or the pace of a runner, she redefined the meaning of power. She was tiny—almost…

The Grandmother in White and the Little Boy Beside Her — A Moment That Felt Like Heaven Borrowed Earth for a While

She wore white, like a whisper from another time. Graceful. Regal. Her silver hair softly framed her face as she stepped onto the stage with a little…

She Walked Onto the AGT Stage in Ripped Clothes and Bare Feet—But When This War Survivor Sang, She Gave the World a Voice It Will Never Forget

She stood there barefoot—fragile, yet unshakable. Her small frame wrapped in worn, tattered clothes. Her eyes, dark and wide, carried stories no child should have to tell….

The Stage Shook, the Crowd Wept, and Silence Fell — This Performance Was Beyond Anything We’ve Seen Before

You’ve probably seen some amazing performances before… but these 10? They’re on another level. Each one starts off normal enough — a stage, a mic, maybe some…

Pregnant and Glowing, She Walked Onstage—But No One Expected the Voice That Followed

When she stepped onto the stage, there was a hush. Not because of nerves, or fear—but because her presence was enough to quiet a room. Her dress…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *