NASA astronaut Don Pettit is feeling better after a rough landing back on Earth. Pettit, who spent seven months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), was initially unwell upon returning to Kazakhstan on April 19, but has since recovered.
In a press conference from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Pettit explained that he was feeling sick due to his body’s reaction to being back on Earth’s surface after a prolonged period in space. “I didn’t feel too good because I didn’t look too good,” Pettit said. He attributed this to his physiology, which tends to respond poorly when reintroduced to the full force of gravity.
Footage captured during the landing shows Pettit looking unwell, but he clarified that this was due to a brief moment of discomfort rather than any serious health issues. The cameras stopped rolling after the initial footage to give him some privacy while he dealt with his symptoms.
Pettit is now on track for completing his post-landing rehab, which will last another month or so. He expressed his enthusiasm for future space missions, stating that being an explorer of space is what seems to be his life’s calling. Pettit is also keen to continue taking photos of the cosmos, a passion he has pursued during his time in space.
Despite initially worrying about his health, Pettit reassured NASA officials and reporters that there was no need for concern. He emphasized the importance of respecting individuals’ privacy during moments like these, acknowledging that nobody wants to be on camera when they’re not feeling well.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/international-space-station/i-didnt-look-too-good-because-i-didnt-feel-too-good-nasa-astronaut-don-pettit-explains-why-he-seemed-so-unwell-after-landing-video