NASA Astronauts Face ‘Agony’ Upon Return to Earth After Extended Space Mission

After spending months in the weightlessness of space, NASA astronauts are in for a harsh readjustment when they step foot on Earth. The instant they arrive, their bodies will be struck with the full power of gravity—a feeling they have not had for a long time. Scientists indicate that this process is painful and disorienting, usually likened to a feeling of being “crushed” by an unseen force.

The Difficulty of Coming Back from Space
Though traveling in space is a phenomenal feat, the human body is not designed to sustain extended periods in microgravity. The astronauts who live for weeks or months on the International Space Station (ISS) undergo various physiological adaptations that make their homecoming very challenging. Some of these changes are:

Loss of Bone and Muscle Mass: Without their own weight to carry, muscles of astronauts degenerate and their bones become lighter. Upon recovery, ordinary postures such as standing and walking become tiresome.
Fluid Shift: In the microgravity condition, body fluids redistribute towards the upper body and result in face puffiness as well as decrease in blood volume. When the force of gravity acts all of a sudden again, the astronauts feel dizzy and even faint.
Vestibular System Disturbance: The inner ear, which aids in balance control, adjusts to weightlessness in space. On return to Earth, astronauts frequently report vertigo and movement coordination problems.
Veteran NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent almost a year on the ISS, said his return to Earth felt like he was having the flu, with sore muscles, profound exhaustion, and trouble standing.

The First Moments Back on Earth
The re-entry from space to Earth is abrupt and violent. When the spacecraft re-enters the atmosphere, astronauts are slammed into their seats by powerful gravitational forces. Upon landing, they can struggle to raise their arms or even hold up their own heads. Some need help simply to stand.

NASA medical staff are always available to assist returning astronauts in regaining their mobility and balance. They receive thorough medical checkups and physical rehabilitation to assist them in recovering from space travel.

Why Astronauts Keep Going Back
Astronauts, despite the physical cost, cannot wait to go back into space. The rush of exploration, scientific discovery, and the possibility of extending the human condition trumps the discomfort of re-entry. Yet, with future missions planned to last longer on the Moon and, one day, Mars, NASA is already exploring ways to counteract these effects and enhance astronaut recovery.

Until recently, space travelers had to tolerate the agony of readjustment—a modest penalty for exploring the universe.

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