When Can NASA Astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore Eat Meat And Drink Alcohol Again?

Last Updated:March 20, 2025, 16:59 IST

On March 20, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore would be given light chicken soup or grilled chicken if their condition allows. By March 23-25, small portions of spicy meat could be introduced.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore and Nick Hague, and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov inside a SpaceX capsule, March 18, 2025. (@NASA via PTI Photo)

When astronauts return to Earth after a mission in space, their bodies face a difficult period of readjustment as they adapt to the pull of gravity. Their muscles, bones, and digestive systems, which have been functioning in microgravity, need time to regain strength and balance. This process involves not just physical therapy but also a carefully managed diet designed to help their bodies recover without adding stress to weakened systems. From the moment they splash down, the recovery process is highly controlled, with strict guidelines on what they can eat and how they can move.

In the first few hours after splashdown, astronauts are not given solid food. Instead, they are provided with water, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade, and glucose-based solutions to restore hydration and energy levels. Their digestive systems, having adapted to weightlessness, need time to function properly under the influence of gravity. Salt and sugar solutions, mild fruit juices, and light broths are introduced to ease the digestive system back into action. The initial goal is to stabilise their body’s fluid balance and prevent nausea or weakness caused by the sudden gravitational shift.

By the first day after landing, if the astronaut’s condition is stable, they are given soft, easily digestible foods like boiled rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or toast. Light proteins such as boiled eggs or chicken broth are carefully introduced to help repair muscle loss. Many astronauts crave fresh food after months of eating vacuum-sealed or freeze-dried meals in space, but fruits like apples and bananas are given in small quantities at this stage, depending on the astronaut’s digestive response and overall energy levels.

Over the next two to three days, nutritionists at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre gradually reintroduce a balanced diet. Protein sources such as chicken and fish are incorporated alongside carbohydrate-rich foods like pasta and bread. Fresh vegetables, rich in vitamins and minerals, are also introduced to help restore the body’s natural balance. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are given to counteract the bone loss caused by prolonged exposure to microgravity. The medical team carefully monitors the astronaut’s digestive health, adjusting the diet based on energy levels and muscle strength.

By the second or third day, if the astronaut’s digestive system is responding well, lightly cooked chicken, such as grilled or boiled, may be introduced. Mutton, which is heavier and harder to digest, is usually delayed by a few more days. Spicy or fried foods are also held back until the digestive system has regained its full capacity. Most astronauts can tolerate these richer foods after about a week, though individual responses vary based on the length of the mission and the astronaut’s overall health.

The digestive system isn’t the only part of the body that struggles to readapt to Earth’s gravity. Muscles and bones weaken significantly in space due to the lack of gravitational resistance. Upon landing, astronauts often experience dizziness, weakness, and difficulty standing or walking. Immediately after splashdown, they are usually carried out of the spacecraft on stretchers or wheelchairs to prevent injury. The sudden return to gravity can cause balance issues and nausea, which is why they are initially kept in a reclining or seated position.

In the first day or two, physiotherapists help astronauts regain mobility by encouraging them to stand and walk with support. Their muscles are often too weak to support their full body weight, so they rely on walkers or support staff. Strength training, treadmill walking, and balance exercises are gradually introduced to help the muscles and bones regain strength. Within three to seven days, most astronauts are able to walk independently, but full strength recovery can take weeks or even months, depending on the duration of the mission. Studies have shown that astronauts who spend six months or more in space may experience up to a 30% loss in muscle mass, making the recovery process longer and more challenging.

One of the most common questions astronauts face after returning to Earth is when they can start eating their favourite foods again. Chicken and mutton are often among the most requested items, but they are introduced gradually. Light chicken broth or grilled chicken can usually be offered after two or three days if the astronaut shows no signs of digestive discomfort. Spicy or fried chicken, along with heavier meats like mutton, are typically introduced after five to seven days, once the digestive system is functioning more normally.

Alcohol is strictly off-limits for at least a week after splashdown. The liver and kidneys, which are affected by microgravity, need time to stabilise and adjust to Earth’s gravity. Alcohol can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance and hydration levels, which are already fragile after a space mission. If the astronaut’s health is stable and medical tests confirm that the body is ready, light alcohol such as beer or wine may be allowed after 10 to 14 days – but only in small quantities and under medical supervision.

To understand how this recovery process works in practice, consider the example of Crew-9 returning to Earth on March 18, 2025. On March 20, the astronauts – Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore – would be given light chicken soup or grilled chicken if their condition allows. By March 23 to 25, small portions of spicy chicken or mutton could be introduced, provided their digestive health remains stable. Between March 28 and April 1, if medical tests confirm the astronauts’ systems are stable, they may be allowed a glass of beer or wine.

Most astronauts regain their digestive health and balance within one to two weeks. Strength training and mobility exercises continue for three to four weeks, while full muscle and bone recovery can take two to three months. Each astronaut’s recovery process is unique, depending on factors such as mission duration, age, and overall health.

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