- After nine gruelling months in space, NASA’s stranded astronauts have finally returned to Earth.
- However, experts warn that Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams’ unplanned stay on the International Space Station (ISS) could have serious health impacts.
- Shocking before-and-after images show the terrifying damage that months spent in the harsh conditions in space will do to you.
- From ‘chicken legs’ and ‘baby feet’ to an increased risk of cancer, experts warn that the stranded astronauts could face years of health complications.
As Williams, 59, and Wilmore, 62, emerged from their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule yesterday, medical teams rushed to help them onto stretchers.
This is a normal procedure for astronauts returning from space since their weakened muscles make it difficult to walk under the force of Earth’s gravity.
The pair will now undergo several days of intensive medical checks at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston but health experts have already noticed signs of physical decline in the stranded astronauts.
And even while they were on the ISS, experts expressed concern over the pair’s gaunt appearance and apparent weight loss.
After nine gruelling months in space, Suni Williams (pictured) and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth. But shocking before-and-after images show the damage that their unintended stay in space has caused
Even during their time in space, health experts raised concerns that Butch Wilmore (pictured) and Suni Williams were suffering from severe weight loss and muscle atrophy
During their nine months on the ISS, health experts raised concerns over Williams’ ‘gaunt’ appearance. A loss of appetite is common in space due to frequent nausea, sometimes leading to astronauts losing dangerous amounts of weight
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The biggest impacts of time in space are caused by exposure to microgravity and intense radiation. Being away from Earth’s pull causes astronauts’ muscles to weaken, leaving them with walking issues upon return
