The physical toll of 199 days in orbit

Space · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Returning to Earth is not a simple walk off the ship. After nearly seven months in microgravity, astronauts must undergo a deliberate transition back into gravity. From bone health studies to synthetic muscle tests, Expedition 43 spent their mission preparing for the future of long-duration human spaceflight.

On June 11, Kazakh time, Commander Terry Virts (NASA), Anton Shkaplerov (Roscosmos), and Samantha Cristoforetti (ESA) concluded a 199-day mission aboard the International Space Station. Their return to Earth near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan, marked the end of a period defined by intense scientific output. The crew participated in hundreds of experiments across disciplines like human biology, plant biology, and physical science, specifically investigating how microgravity affects cellular structures and molecular science.

A significant portion of their work focused on the long-term viability of human life in space. This included a one-year study on health management during extended travel—initiated with the arrival of Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko—and specific investigations into bone health and the risks of in-flight infections. To push technological boundaries, the crew tested 'Synthetic Muscle' polymers designed to mimic real muscle contraction for use in dexterous robotics, aiming to perform dangerous tasks that are currently too hazardous for humans.

The logistical complexity of their stay was immense. The crew managed the arrival of three cargo spacecraft, including a Russian Progress vehicle and two SpaceX Dragon deliveries. Commander Virts specifically performed three spacewalks to install International Docking Adapters (IDA), which are essential for accommodating future commercial vehicles. Upon landing, the transition back to Earth began immediately; the trio was assisted into reclining chairs by international personnel to begin the critical process of adapting their bodies to 1G gravity again.

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