NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins has shared a shocking revelation after spending over 230 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Watkins, who was part of a team working on critical experiments and repairs aboard the space station, recently admitted that her long stay in space had caused her to lose the ability to perform basic human functions that many take for granted. The 230-day mission, which was part of NASA’s extended crew rotations, posed unforeseen challenges to her physical and mental health, leading to difficulties in performing simple, everyday tasks after returning to Earth.
Watkins’ comments are part of a growing body of research into the effects of long-duration space missions on the human body. As NASA and other space agencies prepare for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, astronauts are faced with extended periods of weightlessness, exposure to radiation, and isolation, which can significantly impact their physiological and psychological well-being.
NASA and SpaceX are expeditiously working to safely return the agency’s SpaceX Crew-9 astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore as soon as practical, while also preparing for the launch of Crew-10 to complete a handover between expeditions.
— NASA (@NASA) January 29, 2025
One of the primary challenges Watkins described was the loss of physical coordination. After months of living in the weightless environment of space, she found it difficult to perform simple tasks like walking or even standing after returning to Earth. In microgravity, muscles and bones weaken due to the lack of the constant force of gravity, which can lead to atrophy. This phenomenon is not uncommon among astronauts, and it often requires months of rehabilitation and physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
In addition to physical challenges, Watkins also spoke about the mental adjustments she had to make. Being away from Earth for so long, with limited communication with loved ones, proved to be mentally taxing. The isolation, combined with the high demands of working in space, left her feeling mentally fatigued and disconnected at times. She revealed that it took a significant period of time after her return to adjust to the sensory overload of Earth, including the feeling of gravity and the sensory stimulation of the planet’s environment.
Another issue Watkins faced was the loss of her sense of routine. In space, time is often distorted due to the rapid orbits of the ISS. As a result, astronauts work in shifts based on mission objectives, with sleep cycles often being disrupted. This inconsistency in daily activities can lead to a loss of a natural circadian rhythm, and astronauts often struggle with sleep deprivation and fatigue upon returning to Earth.
The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.
Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 28, 2025
Watkins’ experience highlights the physical and mental toll of prolonged space travel, which has become an area of intense focus for scientists and space agencies. NASA and other organizations are conducting numerous studies to better understand how human bodies respond to long-term exposure to space conditions, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that astronauts remain healthy and able to perform their duties during missions to distant destinations like Mars.
In addition to these health concerns, Watkins also emphasized the importance of the psychological well-being of astronauts during extended space missions. The isolation, confinement, and the extreme conditions of space can take a significant mental and emotional toll, and Watkins’ experience underscores the need for robust support systems for astronauts on long-duration missions. This includes regular mental health check-ins, communication with family and friends, and techniques to combat isolation.
As Watkins prepares to share her findings and experiences with the world, her mission contributes to a greater understanding of how humanity can endure in space for long periods. The data collected from her mission, along with those of other astronauts who have spent extended time in space, will be vital for future space exploration, particularly as NASA works toward its ambitious goal of sending humans to Mars.
In conclusion, Jessica Watkins’ admission about the effects of spending 230 days in space highlights the profound challenges astronauts face when embarking on long-duration missions. The loss of basic human functions like walking, standing, and maintaining a natural sleep cycle after extended space travel reveals just how much space environments can impact the human body and mind. With future space missions on the horizon, the lessons learned from astronauts like Watkins will be essential in ensuring the health and well-being of those venturing beyond Earth for extended periods.
