Washington, March 19 (NationPress) NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have embarked on a 45-day rehabilitation program designed to assist them in adapting to Earth's gravity following their nine months in space. They returned early Wednesday (Indian time) via SpaceX's Crew-9 mission, splashing down off the coast of Florida.

After their extended mission on the International Space Station (ISS), the astronauts will now undergo physical reconditioning to mitigate the impacts of prolonged weightlessness.

Returning astronauts frequently face physiological changes, such as fluid redistribution resulting in puffy faces, muscle atrophy that leads to 'chicken legs', temporary height increase, and diminished bone density.

Microgravity significantly influences various bodily functions including aerobic capacity, muscle strength, endurance, stamina, balance, coordination, bone density, and neuro vestibular function.

The Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) specialists have developed a structured reconditioning program focused on restoring physical health.

The rehabilitation process commences immediately post-landing and consists of two-hour daily sessions, seven days a week, for 45 days. Each rehabilitation program is tailored for the individual astronaut, taking into account test results, medical status, and mission roles.

This rehabilitation is structured into three phases. The initial phase, which begins on landing day, emphasizes mobility, flexibility, and muscle strengthening. The second phase introduces proprioceptive exercises along with cardiovascular training, while the final and most extended phase focuses on functional development.

Historical data indicates that astronauts often regain, and sometimes even enhance, their pre-flight physical condition after completing this program.

The extended stay of Williams and Wilmore in space was not planned. They launched aboard Boeing's Starliner on June 5 of the previous year for a mission intended to last eight days.

Unfortunately, technical issues with the spacecraft's propulsion system necessitated their extended stay aboard the ISS. This situation garnered significant attention, igniting discussions about space travel safety and political implications.

The return process initiated after Crew-10 docked at the ISS on Sunday, enabling Williams, Wilmore, NASA's Nick Hague, and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to begin preparations for their homeward journey.

Seventeen hours after departing the ISS, their SpaceX Dragon capsule successfully splashed down at 3:27 a.m. IST. Following their extraction from the capsule, they were promptly sent for medical evaluations before initiating their rehabilitation.