Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s 45-Day Rehabilitation Journey
Helping Astronauts Readjust After Space Travel
Upon their return to Earth, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will embark on a 45-day rehabilitation program. This program helps them adapt to Earth’s gravity after being in space. The program starts on the day of landing and lasts for 2 hours daily, 7 days a week, for 45 days. It is customized to each astronaut’s needs to ease their transition from microgravity to Earth’s gravity.
Astronaut Strength, Conditioning and Rehabilitation (ASCR)
- Managed by ASCR specialists
- Addresses all weaknesses
- Enhances the physical condition of returning astronauts
- Offers pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight support
The ASCR team includes certified strength and conditioning professionals, certified/licensed athletic trainers, and physical therapists. They offer exercise hardware training, exercise prescriptions, post-flight reconditioning, and musculoskeletal care.
Three Stages of Rehabilitation
- Stage 1: Focuses on walking, flexibility, and muscle strength
- Stage 2: Includes balance exercises and cardiovascular conditioning
- Stage 3: Develops functional abilities (longest stage)
All rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual astronaut, considering their test results, preferred recreational activities, and mission roles and duties.
Post-Flight Reconditioning Outcomes
After finishing post-flight reconditioning, astronauts typically regain and often surpass their pre-flight physical condition.
Mission Achievements
- Traveled 121,347,491 miles
- Spent 286 days in space
- Completed 4,576 orbits around Earth
Sunita Williams now holds the record for the longest spacewalking time by a female astronaut, with 62 hours and 6 minutes outside the station. She ranks fourth on the all-time spacewalk duration list.
