Astronaut Sunita Williams, who was stuck in space, is returning to Earth after 9 months and 13 days. She went to space for just 8 days but it took longer than expected. Along with her, astronaut Butch Wilmore and two other astronauts of Crew-9 present in the space station are also returning. All four astronauts will land on the coast of Florida on March 19 at around 3:27 am in the Dragon spacecraft.
In such a situation, the question arises that when Sunita Williams, who has been away from the Earth's atmosphere for 9 months, steps here, which diseases will she be most at risk of. Let's know...
1. You may forget to walk and run on Earth
On Earth, the muscles work against gravity while walking, running, getting up or sitting, but in space, due to zero-gravity, the muscles do not work. This weakens the muscles. Every month the density of bones decreases by about 1%, which has a bad effect on the muscles of the legs, back and neck. On 1 March 2016, when American astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian astronaut Mikhail Kornienko returned after spending 340 days in space, they also faced the same problems.
Also Read: Sunita Williams' Return to Earth: Dragon Spacecraft's Landing Schedule and Key Details
2. There may be problems in standing
We all have a vestibular system in our ears and brain, which works to balance the body. Due to zero-gravity in space, this system does not work properly. Due to which some astronauts returning to Earth are unable to stand, balance, and balance their eyes, hands, legs and other organs properly for some time. On 21 September 2006, when American astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper returned to Earth from space after 12 days, this type of problem occurred.
3. Leaving things in the air instead of keeping them on the ground or table
Being in space for a long time, the brain and body of astronauts start adapting to microgravity. When you leave something in the air, it floats instead of falling. This habit remains for some time even after returning to Earth. NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn had told such things about space journey in one of his interviews.
4. Risk of blindness
Due to zero-gravity in space, the body's liquid goes towards the head, which puts more pressure on the nerves behind the eyes. This is also called Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). After coming to Earth, the body of astronauts keeps trying to adjust, in such a situation their eyes are affected and eye problems or even blindness can increase. Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield had told in an interview that he started having problems in both his eyes, it seemed that he would go blind.
Risk of these diseases too
- Bone weakness
- Risk of cancer due to exposure to high radiation
- DNA can be damaged
- Immune system can be weakened
- Body's ability to heal wounds can be reduced
- Loneliness and mental stress
- Sleep problems
- Difficulty in focusing