Astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams were finally brought back to Earth on March 18 after an unexpected nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS). They were originally supposed to return after just eight days, but complications forced their mission to extend. Upon their return, both were carried off the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on stretchers due to health issues caused by their extended stay in space.

Spending so much time in microgravity led to muscle atrophy, fluid build-up in their heads, and changes in their physical appearance, such as weight loss and puffy faces. Experts are concerned about potential long-term effects, like Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which could cause permanent eye issues, and increased cancer risk. The astronauts will undergo extensive tests at NASA’s Johnson Space Center to monitor their health.

What do you think about their condition after such a long space mission?