“Even lifting a pencil will feel like a workout…’: Why gravity will make Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Earth return a struggle

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning to Earth on March 19, 2025 after over eight months aboard the ISS. They faced delays due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner. Upon return, they’ll undergo an extensive rehabilitation program to readjust to gravity, rebuild strength and balance, as well as mitigate the effects of microgravity.