NASA astronauts and cosmonauts returned to Earth after a five-month stay aboard the International Space Station, kicking off research into how space travel affects the human circulatory system. The crew members underwent medical tests, including ultrasound scans of their veins, to monitor for signs of blood clots. Researchers are also studying the effects of microgravity on blood circulation, aiming to better prepare astronauts for long-duration missions.
The crew’s return marks a new phase in research, with scientists seeking to understand how space travel affects the body and mind. Studies like CIPHER, which examines the impact of space travel on astronauts’ bodies and minds during short and long missions, will help inform future trips to Mars.
As part of their rehabilitation, the four NASA astronauts – Mike Fincke, Zena Cardman, Jonny Kim, and Nichole Ayers – are undergoing exercise routines and medical check-ups to help their bodies adjust to Earth’s gravity. Meanwhile, cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Takuya Onishi, Oleg Platonov, and Sergey Ryzhikov are also receiving medical attention after returning from their spaceflights.
These studies aim to advance our understanding of space travel’s effects on the human body and could lead to new treatments for a range of ailments both in space and on Earth.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/08/11/veins-vessels-fill-station-research-schedule-after-crew-returns-to-earth