After nearly nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally returned to Earth, but a recent detail from their post-arrival photos has raised concern.
Something attached to her left arm
The astronauts’ return came after what was originally scheduled to be an eight-day mission, but due to technical issues, they spent an unprecedented 286 days in space. While their return in the SpaceX Crew-9 spacecraft was celebrated by all, the images captured during their medical check-ups have sparked worry among space fans.
The astronauts, including Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, 34, were immediately whisked away to a medical facility for a thorough post-mission evaluation.
These ‘secret’ tests, which included cancer screenings, radiation exposure checks, and studies on the effects of microgravity on the human body, are part of a long recovery process that will last around six weeks.
Although NASA had personnel on hand to assist the astronauts with their balance, it was evident that Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov were all able to stand and walk independently after their medical evaluations.
The photos of their post-mission arrival at Johnson Space Center, however, revealed a concerning detail: 59-year-old Suni Williams, in particular, was seen with an IV drip attached to her left arm as she underwent these tests.
The presence of the IV drip caused some to worry about Williams’ health.
While Butch Wilmore was clean-shaven after previously sporting a beard in space, Williams appeared noticeably frail.