NASA Astronauts Return to Earth: The Science Behind the Stretchers
On March 18, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to make a splashdown into Earth’s oceans inside a SpaceX crew capsule after spending more than nine months in space. Initially intended to be just a short mission, the astronauts will be met with an unexpected protocol upon their return – being carried out on stretchers.
Upon landing back on Earth, astronauts are unable to walk immediately due to the temporary changes their bodies undergo in space. This common practice for all astronauts is rooted in the physiological impact of space travel, according to experts.
Why Astronauts are Carried on Stretchers
John DeWitt, director of applied sports science at Rice University and a former scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, explained that just like motion sickness experienced during roller coaster rides, astronauts can feel dizzy and nauseous upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere. This sensation, known as “space motion sickness,” can affect their balance and coordination.
The human body is finely tuned to the gravitational forces on Earth, but astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) experience microgravity, causing their bodies to adapt. When they return to Earth, the sudden reintroduction of gravity can trigger these symptoms, necessitating the use of stretchers as a safety precaution.
Challenges of Long-Term Spaceflight
Extended space travel also poses challenges such as muscle and bone loss due to reduced physical activity in space. While on Earth, walking and moving against gravity helps maintain muscle strength. In microgravity, however, muscles weaken over time, leading to muscle atrophy.
To combat these effects, astronauts onboard the ISS follow a rigorous exercise routine to keep their bodies strong. Despite the physical toll of space travel, astronauts like Williams and Wilmore remain resilient and prepared to face Earth’s gravity upon return.
Williams expressed confidence in their readiness, stating, “We feel strong and ready to tackle Earth’s gravity” following nine months of dedicated workouts in space. Along with their fellow crew members, they are set to return to Earth aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, marking the end of an unexpected and eventful mission.
The challenges faced by astronauts in space are a subject of ongoing research to better understand the impacts of long-term spaceflight on the human body. Valeri Polyakov, a Russian cosmonaut, holds the current record for the longest consecutive time spent in space, highlighting the physical and physiological demands of extended missions.
In conclusion, as astronauts like Williams and Wilmore prepare to return from their extended stay in space, the use of stretchers upon landing serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between human physiology and the unique conditions of space travel. Despite the hurdles, their dedication and resilience in the face of these challenges continue to inspire and advance our understanding of human space exploration.
