Overview

• Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams finished a standard 45-day program in mid-May after returning in March from a 286-day stay on the International Space Station.
• Their daily recovery included at least two hours of strength and conditioning training to counter muscle atrophy, balance issues and cardiovascular deconditioning.
• Both astronauts have re-engaged with Boeing’s Starliner program, NASA’s ISS operations in Houston and agency research teams.
• NASA is set to review summer test results before deciding on a further uncrewed Starliner flight prior to resuming crewed missions.
• The extended mission highlighted the physical and psychological strains of long-duration spaceflight, from neurovestibular challenges to confinement stress.