Curious How Astronauts Return to Routine on Earth? Here’s How That Re-Learning Process Works

Life in space is an incomparably unique experience only a select few can have. It can transform the mind and body in a way nothing else on Earth can, so what happens when astronauts return to Earth? Discover how these professionals are trained to reacclimate to life on the big blue marble with grace.

Post-Mission Recovery Programs

Astronomical leaders know the toll cosmonauts undergo when spending time in space. Sometimes, these explorers spend more time in the stars than they anticipate. No matter the circumstances, many engage in comprehensive reconditioning plans when they return. These are even more important to those who encountered struggles on missions or have been away for a long time.

These progressive programs typically involve physical and mental training to make sure harmful deterioration has not occurred. They last 45 days, where each individual spends two hours tackling a personalized recovery regimen.

It involves careful rewiring of the brain, reminding the body how to behave under Earth’s gravity again. The trainers also require the astronauts to stay away from potentially dangerous activities, like driving a car.

Personalized Exercise and Medical Monitoring

After coming back, space flyers get a medical evaluation. The body reacts differently in space compared to Earth. For example, 92% of astronauts have headaches in space and only 38% at home. Flight surgeons measure everything from height to skin changes. Spending extended time in space can also change a person’s eye chemistry, including their contrast sensitivity.

A lot of the subsequent training involves restrengthening and rehabilitation based on the most critical findings. The goal is to reach the levels they had before going into space. They can often endure several health conditions, demanding rigorous exercise and physical or massage therapy after the astronauts return to Earth, including:

• Cardiovascular deconditioning
• Loss of bone
• Neurovestibular changes
• Reduced muscle mass

Additionally, experts monitor how well each person’s body behaves for a while after landing. They need to ensure the astronauts are able to sleep, walk normally and eat without adverse side effects.

Vestibular System Retraining

Another vulnerable part of the body is the ear. Being in low-gravity conditions can change movement habits and response times. It also confuses the brain on how to interact with its environment. After spending so long in spaceflight, it is normal for the mind to rewire how it perceives balance.

So, astronauts must spend time retraining their bodies to acclimate to Earth’s conditions. They will need to do seemingly simplistic tasks, like walking in a straight line. It may sound easy, but when the body has compensated for low-gravity conditions for so long, adding a curve might have become second nature.

Nutrition Plans

The World Health Organization prescribes a specific diet that includes essential vitamins and macronutrient distributions to keep astronauts healthy. The shared, assigned set of foods makes up most of their meals to ensure they have the best chance to stay healthy. However, the immune system takes a pretty massive hit in space, with bone density and red cell production being compromised.

Nutritionists can assign meal plans based on the deficiencies noted in their physiological assessments. Despite the predetermined diet, vitamin deficiencies are still a possibility. Supporting muscle gain often requires a greater focus on protein, and added iron and calcium can help with bones.

Additionally, some individuals may experience biochemical changes in their gut microbiome, meaning they process foods differently than before. They may not be able to absorb the nutrients as effectively. Keeping a food diary to identify how the body feels and reacts after each meal is critical for identifying any gastrointestinal issues or related problems that may have arisen from the space diet.

Psychological Support

No matter how much fun astronauts could have to experience the wonders of space, there is still a psychological toll it takes. Astronauts are distanced from their loved ones and their comforts. They are also taking in new and unfamiliar experiences all the time, from multiple sunsets and sunrises to being in confined spaces all the time.

They also are not on a mission for a vacation. There is a sense of work around the individual at all times, which is a burden on anyone. Therefore, copious emotional readjustment is necessary to make the transition back to regular habits and life as seamless as possible. Here are some ways mental health services could help astronauts after they return:

• Light therapy to help readjust circadian rhythms to improve sleep regulation and stress
• Exposure therapy to overcome discomfort in small spaces
• Group or individual therapy to overcome struggles, depression, anxiety, or trauma

One of the most unique changes to an astronaut’s mind is after they have experienced the overview effect. This is when someone sees the Earth from space for the first time. The perspective causes someone to feel a greater connection to the planet and advocate for the betterment of humanity. The emotions bundled with this are life-changing, and mental health support could guide astronauts in ways to take this energy and use it for good on Earth.

Fluid-Loading Protocol

Space travelers might feel their bodies have a strange puffiness or thinness as they descend. This is because the body has moved its fluids around and lost some while up in space. Astronauts lose 5% of their muscle mass and 20% of their body fluids while in space.

This is why people have a fluid-loading protocol to keep organs safe and the body intact. So, using salt supplementation like tablets and wearing compression garments is crucial for getting the body back to normal.

How Astronauts Return to Earth

Attaining normalcy after having one of the rarest human experiences is jarring yet revitalizing. Thankfully, these experts have systems in place to accommodate the transition.

No space flyer needs to sacrifice their health, mind or body by taking the opportunity to go into the stars. With a little physical training, a good diet and emotional support, astronauts can come back stronger than ever.