Scott Kelly Described Weeks of Detachment After 340 Days on ISS
Updated
Updated · spacedaily.com · Jul 9
Scott Kelly Described Weeks of Detachment After 340 Days on ISS
2 articles · Updated · spacedaily.com · Jul 9
Summary
340 days in orbit left Scott Kelly struggling not just with swollen ankles and balance loss, but with weeks of feeling oddly detached after returning to Earth.
NASA expected the physical readjustment — the vestibular system must relearn gravity, while skin, muscles and the cardiovascular system react painfully to solid surfaces and weight-bearing again.
Clinicians now see that mental aftereffect as a mild depersonalization-like phase reported by multiple long-duration astronauts, distinct from trauma and often outlasting the first medical follow-up window.
Russian space medicine had long treated that post-flight period as part of the mission, and Kelly's experience is gaining relevance as Artemis crews fly farther and Mars planning raises the stakes of return.
After a grueling recovery from his last flight, why was astronaut Frank Rubio selected for the pivotal Artemis III mission?
If astronauts can barely walk on Earth, how will the first crew on Mars manage to work and survive alone?
Spinal Injury Risk in Returning Astronauts: Mechanisms, Countermeasures, and Lessons for Earth
Overview
Astronauts who spend long periods in microgravity experience major changes in their bodies, especially in the musculoskeletal system. When they return to Earth, their bodies must quickly readjust to gravity, which puts significant stress on their bones and muscles. This sudden transition can lead to health concerns, such as spinal injuries, because the spine and its supporting muscles have weakened during spaceflight. High-profile missions, like Frank Rubio’s record stay on the ISS, highlight how extended time in space increases these risks. As astronauts readapt, careful monitoring and rehabilitation are needed to protect their health and support recovery.