After nine months in space, astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore will have to get acclimated back to gravity.
Upon returning to Earth, most astronauts experience ‘orthostatic intolerance’, defined by the difficulty or inability to stand or walk due to lightheadedness or fainting, according to NASA.
A special team of doctors will work with Wilmore and Williams at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
While there, they will undergo “a progressive 45-day post-mission recovery program,” NASA says. During this time, the crew will have medical and performance testing, participate in studies and follow a “structured reconditioning program.”
NASA says they’ll spend two hours every day with trainers, working on a personalized recovery plan to regain their fitness levels before they leave on their mission.
“Generally, most crew members’ physiological systems recover within this timeframe,” according to the agency.