NASA Astronauts Endure Long-Term Pain After 286-Day ISS Mission

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams endured an unexpected nine-month stay on the International Space Station after their initially planned eight-day mission was extended due to malfunctions in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Following their return to Earth in March, both astronauts have faced significant physical challenges, including muscle loss, balance issues, back pain, and fatigue, which have required nearly two months of intensive rehabilitation involving daily strength and conditioning training. Wilmore described the difficulty of readjusting to Earth's gravity, noting persistent back and neck pain, while Williams struggled with disrupted sleep patterns and prolonged tiredness. Despite these hardships, the astronauts have resumed their professional duties, advising on improvements to Boeing's Starliner program. Their experience highlights the physical toll of extended spaceflight and the complexity of recovery after prolonged exposure to microgravity. Both continue to work with NASA's Commercial Crew Program to enhance spacecraft safety and reliability.