NASA Astronauts Return to Earth After Nine Months in Space – Why Are They Carried on Stretchers?

Image Credentials: Generated by Open Chronicle AI DALL·E

By Staff Writer with Agencies

After more than nine months in space, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are finally returning to Earth. However, upon landing, they will likely be carried out of their capsule on stretchers. But why is this necessary?

On Tuesday, the two astronauts are expected to land in a SpaceX capsule, marking the conclusion of a mission that was initially planned to last only a few weeks. When the capsule door opens, medical personnel will follow a standard procedure of transporting the astronauts on stretchers for immediate medical assessment.

U.S. Astronauts Stranded On Space Station For Nine Months Set To Return To Earth On Tuesday pic.twitter.com/u2IiuqJSNu

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) March 17, 2025

The Impact of Space on the Human Body

According to experts, the use of stretchers is a standard protocol due to temporary physiological changes that occur after prolonged exposure to microgravity. Astronauts returning from extended space missions are unable to walk immediately due to the effects of weightlessness on their bodies. NASA enforces strict safety measures to ensure a smooth transition back to Earth’s gravity.

“Many astronauts prefer to walk out of the capsule on their own, but they are instructed to use stretchers for safety reasons,” explained John DeWitt, Director of Applied Sports Science at Rice University and former senior scientist at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, in an interview with Live Science.

DeWitt, who has worked on methods to improve astronaut health during space missions, notes that returning astronauts often experience dizziness and nausea upon reentry. These sensations occur because the human body is designed to function under the influence of gravity. In the weightless environment of the International Space Station (ISS), the body undergoes significant adaptations.

The Role of the Vestibular System

One of the most affected systems is the vestibular sensory system located in the inner ear, which is crucial for balance. In space, the body learns to ignore certain sensory inputs as the brain adapts to microgravity. Upon returning to Earth, astronauts must readjust to normal gravitational forces, leading to a temporary condition known as “space motion sickness.”

Muscle and Bone Loss in Space

Another major challenge for astronauts, especially those who spend extended periods in space like Williams and Wilmore, is the gradual loss of muscle and bone density, a condition known as muscle atrophy. Despite regular exercise routines on the ISS, astronauts still experience significant muscle and bone weakening.

Scientists are actively studying the long-term effects of space travel on the human body to develop countermeasures for future deep-space missions. Despite these challenges, NASA has assured that both astronauts are in good spirits and confident in their physical condition after their extended stay in orbit.

“They are receiving the same medical care they would have if their mission had been originally planned for nine months,” DeWitt confirmed.

As space agencies plan for longer missions, including potential trips to Mars, understanding and mitigating the effects of long-term space travel on human health remains a top priority. For now, NASA’s careful return protocols ensure that astronauts like Williams and Wilmore can safely transition back to life on Earth.