Why Astronauts Can’t Walk After Returning to Earth: The Science Behind the Stretchers
Imagine spending nine months floating in space, only to return to Earth and be wheeled off your spacecraft like a patient in a hospital. Such is the glamorous life of astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, who recently touched down on Earth after their extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). While it might seem dramatic, being carried out on stretchers is standard NASA protocol—because, surprise, gravity is a harsh mistress.
Williams and Wilmore’s mission, initially planned for a mere eight days, turned into a nine-month odyssey due to a series of technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. From propulsion leaks to thruster failures, their journey was anything but smooth. Yet, despite the setbacks, the astronauts managed to dock safely at the ISS, where they spent months conducting experiments and adjusting to life in microgravity.
But here’s the kicker: living without gravity wreaks havoc on the human body. As Williams explained to students at her alma mater, Needham High School, she hadn’t walked, sat, or laid down in months. Instead, she floated effortlessly, a perk that sounds delightful until you realize your muscles and bones are essentially on vacation. Upon returning to Earth, astronauts often experience muscle atrophy, balance issues, and even dizziness—making walking a no-go. Hence, the stretchers.
The mission’s extension wasn’t just a logistical headache; it was also an emotional rollercoaster. Williams, ever the optimist, stayed connected with her family, chatting with her mom almost daily. Meanwhile, Wilmore’s wife, Deanna, summed up the situation perfectly: “You just sort of have to roll with it and expect the unexpected.”
NASA ultimately decided to bring the astronauts home via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, leaving the Starliner’s fate uncertain. While Boeing insisted the spacecraft could have made the return trip, NASA wasn’t taking any chances. After all, when you’re dealing with billion-dollar equipment and human lives, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
So, the next time you see astronauts being wheeled off a spacecraft, remember: it’s not for dramatic effect—it’s science. And if you’re thinking of becoming an astronaut, maybe start with a few extra leg days at the gym.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, Live Science, Associated Press, WBZ-TV
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
