Part 4/5:
The Return to Earth: A Unique Experience
Sunny Williams and Butch Wilmer's return wasn't without its peculiarities. After a prolonged period of exposure to microgravity, the pair was wheeled off in stretchers, a protocol that garnered significant interest. This practice is not an indication of ill health but rather a precaution for astronauts who may experience difficulty walking after their long journey in zero gravity. Former NASA senior scientist John Ditt explained that while some astronauts prefer to exit the spacecraft on their own, safety regulations mandate that they be transported via stretchers.