Now that NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are safely back on Earth, their focus shifts to recovery. After spending nearly 10 months in space due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner, the two astronauts face an intensive rehabilitation process to help their bodies readjust to gravity.
NASA has confirmed that Wilmore and Williams will undergo at least 45 days of physical therapy, including two hours of exercise per day. The goal is to rebuild muscle strength and bone density, which naturally weaken in a microgravity environment. A carefully structured nutrition plan will also be part of their recovery to help replenish lost nutrients.
While the astronauts have been reunited with their families, they won’t be returning to their homes in Massachusetts and Tennessee just yet. They will remain at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston until doctors confirm they are fully recovered. Historically, astronauts have taken anywhere from weeks to months to regain normal function after extended space missions.
Once cleared, Wilmore and Williams are expected to visit the White House to meet with President Trump. He acknowledged the physical challenges they now face, stating, “They have to get better… it’s not easy.” For now, the two astronauts are focused on taking their first steps—literally—toward full recovery.
