Astronauts Return to Earth: The Shocking Reason They Were Carried Out on Stretchers!

Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore are gradually adjusting to Earth‘s pull, taking it one step at a time.

Actually, when the astronauts landed in Florida on March 18, following their nine-month journey aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule at the International Space Station, they didn’t walk off the vessel upon landing. Instead, they were gently removed from the spacecraft using stretchers.

It’s normal procedure at NASA for astronauts returning from space missions, as they usually need time before they can walk normally after landing.

As a devoted follower, I’d share that in my past experiences, many individuals express reluctance when informed they must exit using a stretcher, as stated by the esteemed NASA senior scientist John DeWitt, in his conversations with Live Science.

Previously during their planned eight-day sojourn on the International Space Station, astronaut Williams had shared with students at her former school, Needham High School in Massachusetts, her experiences and physical sensations associated with life without gravity.

She shared with the students in January (as reported by CBS affiliate WBZ-TV), “I’ve been up here for a while now, and it’s making me miss the feeling of walking.” She further explained, “I haven’t had the chance to walk. I haven’t sat down or laid down. But you don’t need to do any of that. Just close your eyes, and imagine yourself floating right here where you are.

The June 2024 mission of Williams and Wilmore for NASA had to be prolonged because of technical problems with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, causing NASA to bring the shuttle back to Earth without its crew onboard. While Williams found this extension surprising, she expressed that she was still finding ways to stay connected with her family back home.

She shared that she communicates with her mother nearly every day, checking up on each other and keeping their bond strong amidst unexpected circumstances over the past few months. They’ve been making it work well despite the changes in their originally anticipated relationship.

For more on Suni Williams and Butch Willmore’s space journey, keep reading.

On the 5th of June, 2024, Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore embarked on a journey to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner spaceship, with the intention of spending eight days at the International Space Station. Shortly following their launch, they reported a “steady and isolated leak” in their propulsion system piping, as reported by the Associated Press.

During their journey to the International Space Station, a persistent leak stayed constant, but unfortunately, four additional leaks occurred and five thrusters, responsible for propulsion, malfunctioned. Despite these setbacks, they managed to securely connect with the ISS, anticipating that their mission might extend beyond the usual eight days.

Two months following a flawed launch, NASA acknowledged the predicament of two astronauts stranded in space. At that point, the space agency was assessing if the Starliner was suitable for another space mission. Boeing, however, asserted at the time it should be ready, stating to TopMob News, “Should NASA decide to alter the mission, we will carry out the necessary actions to prepare Starliner for an uncrewed return.

In response to public worry about Wilmore and Williams’ situation, Scott Hubbard, a former NASA official, reassured the Associated Press. He explained that the astronauts, both veterans of space travel, are essentially in a predicament but have “an abundance of supplies” and “tasks to complete.

Instead of trying to repair the Starliner, Williams and Wilmore’s families expressed themselves after NASA announced their planned return to Earth via a SpaceX mission in either February or March.

As a die-hard admirer putting words into Mrs. Deanna Wilmore’s heart, I can say that during our chat with WVLT in August, I shared about our unique family situation, explaining, “Life throws you curveballs, so you just have to adapt, anticipate the unpredictable, and keep rolling along.

Simultaneously, Michael, Williams’ spouse, mentioned that he believed she wouldn’t find it disconcerting to spend additional time in space. He expressed this to The Wall Street Journal by saying, “That’s where she feels most content.

Before marking six months in orbit, Williams and Wilmore discussed their unique Thanksgiving celebrations taking place on the International Space Station.

Williams shared with NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt on November 27 that they have prepared a selection of dishes reminiscent of Thanksgiving. This includes smoked turkey, cranberries, apple pie with cobbler topping, green beans and mushrooms, and mashed potatoes.

Additionally, Williams emphasized once more that both she and Wilmore were thriving during their prolonged space voyage.

She assured them, “There’s no need for concern; we’re doing just fine.” She went on to explain, “We’re keeping fit through exercise, watching our diets, and having plenty of enjoyable moments.

After spending six months in space, NASA announced that the astronauts would remain there for a longer period than initially anticipated. Originally, NASA had scheduled their return for February, but due to delays in the SpaceX mission responsible for picking them up, their stay has been extended to potentially March or April, as stated by NASA earlier.

In February, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that Williams and Wilmore had been left to fend for themselves in space during their extended eight-month journey instead of the initially planned eight days. However, after his statement made headlines, these astronauts refuted the president’s assertion.

In a February 13 interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN, Wilmore emphasized that they do not feel left alone or forsaken. Instead, they feel ready and dedicated, and it’s not as if they are stuck or stranded.

Williams interjected during the interview that the pair were “doing pretty darn good, actually.”

We’re well-supplied with food and clothing, our team is fantastic, she went on. Admittedly, our time here has been a bit longer than anticipated, but we’ve both been trained for life and work aboard the International Space Station. I believe we’ve made the best use of this extended stay.

During the interview, it was also verified that Wilmore and Williams would come back to Earth on March 12, when SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft is scheduled for launch.

As your trusted lifestyle guide, let me clarify that you can expect to visit, connect, and secure your spot around mid-March. For approximately a week starting from around the 13th, there’ll be some changes happening. We’re aiming for a return by the 19th of March.

A few days prior to her father’s expected homecoming, Daryn Wilmore, Wilmore’s daughter, shared her thoughts on her father’s space journey and her feelings towards the postponement of his Earth arrival.

In an interview with the Daily Mail on March 6, she expressed that it’s quite draining mentally due to various complications and oversights that keep prolonging the process. She pointed out these problems as the main reasons for the constant delays, stating that one problem seems to follow another without end.

Daryn communicated that her father was disappointed, yet overall in good condition aboard the International Space Station. She also mentioned, “My dad is incredibly tough and adaptable.

2025-03-19 03:21

Read More