NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore are now going to return to Earth after being stranded in the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months. Let us tell you that Williams and Wilmore will land on Earth on March 19 or 20 (Sunita William Returning To Earth). However, the difficulties of their journey will not end here. 

After being away from Earth's gravity for such a long time, returning back to Earth can prove to be quite challenging for both of them. Let's find out what problems Sunita Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore may face after returning to Earth.  

learning to walk again

"I have been here for so long that I don't remember how to walk. I have neither walked, nor sat, nor lay down," Sunita Williams said in a recent interaction with students. So when Williams and Wilmore land on Earth on March 19 or 20, they will not be sent straight home. Instead, they will undergo a very intensive medical examination, so that the effects of long-term weightlessness can be assessed. 

Doctors estimate that it may take up to six weeks for astronauts to regain their strength. Let us tell you that due to living in microgravity, the muscles and bones of astronauts become weak. Therefore, it takes time for them to regain their strength after returning to Earth. 

Danger from radiation

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may have to face the risk of radiation exposure in addition to muscle weakness due to staying in space for such a long time. Without the protective atmospheric layer of the Earth, cosmic radiations can enter the bodies of astronauts. This increases the risk of long-term health problems like cancer. Special medical checkups are also needed to detect this problem.