Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who spent nine months in space after their eight-day mission to the International Space Station, will need time to recover from the effects of weightlessness on Earth’s gravity. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson told NDTV that professional astronauts like Williams and Wilmore are selected not only for physical fitness but also emotional stability.
Tyson said he was never worried about their safety or return home because they have the skills to adapt to challenges. However, he warned that their muscles will need time to adjust to Earth’s gravity, especially when it comes to tasks that require orientation in a weightless environment.
To aid in their recovery, NASA recommends providing astronauts with plastic cups for drinks instead of glassware, as their weakened grip can cause them to drop the cup. Tyson also downplayed concerns about mental health, citing NASA’s emphasis on selecting astronauts based on both physical and emotional strength.
Williams and Wilmore were returned to Earth last week after a nine-month delay due to propulsion issues with their spacecraft. Their rehabilitation program will focus on rebuilding muscle mass and bone density through strength training and mobility exercises. Tyson joked that having a spare rocket “in the garage” could be a solution for future space missions, emphasizing the need for more resources and preparedness in the space frontier.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/neil-degrasse-tyson-ndtv-interview-sunita-williams-international-space-station-return-plastic-cups-for-now-neil-degrasse-tyson-on-sunita-williams-reco-7967107