Astronauts from SpaceX Crew-8 shared their experiences readjusting to life on Earth after a record-breaking 235-day mission in space. During a NASA news conference, the three astronauts – Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps – discussed some of the challenges they faced upon returning to Earth.
“We’re not used to sitting on hard chairs,” said Dominick, who served as mission commander. “Even with gravity, there are little things that surprise you.” Epps added that she struggled with the weight and heaviness of objects, which made it difficult for her to move without feeling exhausted.
The astronauts also talked about how they had to exercise regularly to maintain their physical health while in space. Barratt emphasized the importance of daily movement, saying “You have to move regardless of how exhausted you feel.”
The four-crew member mission was marked by a few setbacks, including schedule changes due to Boeing Starliner issues and weather delays. The astronauts spent more time in space than usual, but it’s not a record-breaking stay for NASA astronauts.
However, the prolonged spaceflight did take its toll on the crew, with one astronaut remaining hospitalized overnight after experiencing a medical issue. NASA has not disclosed which astronaut was affected or the nature of their condition.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/11/08/science/spacex-nasa-crew-8-astronauts-update/index.html