By Sakshi Sah
Published Mar 20, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: NASA

Before-and-after pics of Sunita Williams: How 286 days in space changed her body

A look at Sunita Williams's journey and the effects of space travel on the human body.

Before (April 2024)

Photo Credit: NASA

Sunita (Suni) L. Williams became a NASA astronaut in 1998.

Before (April 2024)

Photo Credit: NASA

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NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned to Earth following an extended 9-month stay aboard the International Space Station.

After

Photo Credit: NASA

They returned in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, landing near Tallahassee.

Before

Photo Credit: NASA

After landing, Williams and Wilmore were carried on reclining stretchers.

After

Photo Credit: ANI

Spending months in space affects the body. Astronauts lose bone density and muscle, and even their feet change.

During the space mission

Photo Credit: NASA

In space, fluids move toward the head, causing a puffy face. Meanwhile, legs become thinner due to muscle loss.

During the space mission

Photo Credit: NASA

Astronauts are exposed to high radiation in space. 

Before (April 2024)

Photo Credit: AP

This increases the risk of cancer, heart issues, and nerve damage.

After

Photo Credit: AP