“Lifting a Pencil Will Feel Like a Workout!” – How Gravity Will Challenge Sunita Williams After Months in Space

• Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has been in space since June last year and is expected to return to Earth on March 19.
• After spending over eight months in microgravity, Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore will face extreme physical challenges as their bodies readjust to Earth’s gravity.
• Scientists believe special exercises, like jumping workouts, could help astronauts prevent cartilage damage and maintain bone strength during long space missions.

Why Will Earth’s Gravity Feel Like a Punishment?

For more than eight months, Sunita Williams has been living in microgravity, where everything floats, and the body does not feel the pull of gravity. Once she returns to Earth, gravity will suddenly pull everything down, causing a sensation of heaviness. Even simple tasks like lifting a pencil will feel difficult. Fluids in her body will also shift, leading to swelling in the lower body and dizziness.

Her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, explained that gravity is the biggest challenge after returning from space. “Gravity starts pulling everything down—fluids, muscles, and bones have to adjust again. It will feel like a workout just to move.”

How Can Astronauts Protect Their Bodies?

A recent study suggests that astronauts could prevent cartilage damage and bone loss by doing special exercises. Scientists from Johns Hopkins University found that jumping workouts can make cartilage thicker and healthier. These exercises could be used before space travel to help astronauts stay strong during long missions to the Moon or Mars.

Sunita Williams will also undergo a strict rehabilitation program after landing on Earth. This will help her regain muscle strength and adjust to normal movement. Her body fluids, which shifted in space, will also return to their normal positions, causing temporary discomfort.

Despite these challenges, Williams and Wilmore remain positive about their return. They have enjoyed their time in space, and on March 19, they will board SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft for their long-awaited journey home.