8 hours ago
Last Updated:March 19, 2025, 16:52 IST
During a Fox News interview, Trump highlighted the physical toll space travel takes on the human body, stating that the astronauts need time to readjust to Earth's gravity
Sunita Williams endured a nearly 10-month stay aboard ISS before her successful splashdown to Earth in March, 2025. (File image)
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will visit the White House, but only after they’ve had time to recover from their extended space mission.
During a Fox News interview, Trump highlighted the physical toll space travel takes on the human body, stating that the astronauts need time to readjust to Earth’s gravity. The US president was asked why he has not invited both astronauts to visit the White House.
The President’s comments came after the White House celebrated the astronauts’ safe return on social media. The post praised Trump’s commitment to their rescue, highlighting the collaborative efforts of SpaceX and NASA.
Wilmore and Williams splashed down in the Gulf of America after spending a staggering 286 days in space – significantly longer than initially planned. Their mission involved orbiting the Earth thousands of times, covering millions of miles, and conducting crucial research.
Both astronauts were familiar with the Space Station, having lived and worked there on previous missions. During this mission, Williams even served as the station commander for three months.
This successful mission underscores the importance of NASA’s partnership with private companies like SpaceX and Boeing. These collaborations ensure the safe transport of astronauts to and from the space station until its planned retirement in 2030. The future of space exploration will then rely on privately operated stations, allowing NASA to focus on ambitious missions to the Moon and Mars.
Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore In Rehab
After their nine-month mission in space, Sunita Williams and her fellow astronaut are beginning a 45-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth’s gravity. This program aims to reverse the physiological effects of prolonged weightlessness, which can include fluid shifts, muscle loss, bone density reduction, and even temporary height changes.
To address these changes, the astronauts will undergo a customized physical reconditioning program overseen by Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation specialists. This intensive program involves daily two-hour sessions over 45 days, focusing on restoring various bodily functions impacted by microgravity.
The program is structured in three phases: initially targeting mobility and strength, then incorporating balance and cardiovascular training, and finally emphasizing functional movement patterns. Experience shows that this structured approach effectively helps astronauts regain and often surpass their pre-flight physical condition.
Location :Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:March 19, 2025, 16:52 IST
News world Astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Not Invited To White House, Trump Explains Why
