NASA’s two stuck astronauts are finally closing in on their return to Earth after 9 months in space

[ThatRobGuy]

https://apnews.com/article/nasa-stuck-astronauts-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-4e379e121d4386d2baca1e3426f62e58

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — NASA’s two stuck astronauts are just a few weeks away from finally returning to Earth after nine months in space.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have to wait until their replacements arrive at the International Space Station next week before they can check out later this month.
They’ll be joined on their SpaceX ride home by two astronauts who launched by themselves in September alongside two empty seats.

 

[Vambram]

This is very good news.

 

[durangodawood]

I hope it all works. Space does not seem like a very healthy place to be stuck. At least not with our current accommodations.

 

[ThatRobGuy]

I hope it all works. Space does not seem like a very healthy place to be stuck. At least not with our current accommodations.

The biggest problem they'll likely have is reacclimating after that long in zero-gravity.

Bone loss and muscle atrophy will likely be a concern. They'll probably also want to get tested to make sure they don't have any lingering issues from radiation exposure.

I forget the guy's name, but there was that one American astronaut who was up there for like 400+ days. They said it took about 3 years for his bone density to return to normal.

 

[Landon Caeli]

The biggest problem they'll likely have is reacclimating after that long in zero-gravity.

Bone loss and muscle atrophy will likely be a concern. They'll probably also want to get tested to make sure they don't have any lingering issues from radiation exposure.

I forget the guy's name, but there was that one American astronaut who was up there for like 400+ days. They said it took about 3 years for his bone density to return to normal.

I'm surprised bone density changes so drastically in space. What would 25 years do? Now I'm curious.

 

[durangodawood]

The biggest problem they'll likely have is reacclimating after that long in zero-gravity.

Bone loss and muscle atrophy will likely be a concern. They'll probably also want to get tested to make sure they don't have any lingering issues from radiation exposure.

I forget the guy's name, but there was that one American astronaut who was up there for like 400+ days. They said it took about 3 years for his bone density to return to normal.

Yeah those are what I had in mind. Plus mental health.

 

[ThatRobGuy]

I'm surprised bone density changes so drastically in space. What would 25 years do? Now I'm curious.

A person would basically turn into a jelly fish I would think.

From what I'm reading.

They lose 10% bone mass every six months
And 20-30% of muscle mass every six months
(and they're getting hit with a heavier than usual dose of radiation, as they're not being protected by the atmosphere)

They do take precautions and do strength and cardio training while they're up there to offset some of that as best they can. But I'd venture a guess and say that it's highly unlikely a person could survive up there in zero gravity for 25 years.

Best case scenario, they'd probably just have to continue living up there if they went 25 years, as they'd be past the point of no return with regards to be able to survive in gravity again.

I'm sure you've seen those videos of astronauts returning home after a 2–3-month mission up there, they usually have to be pushed in wheelchairs for a first few weeks they get back