When astronaut Sunita Williams returned to Earth in a SpaceX capsule alongside her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, it marked the end of a grueling 286-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Yet, amidst the celebratory return, a newly released photo of Williams has raised concerns among doctors and space medicine experts.

At 59, Williams appeared noticeably frail—with visibly thin wrists, grayer hair, and deeper wrinkles than seen before her mission. Medical experts have noted that these changes may signal rapid weight loss, muscle atrophy, and a decrease in bone density, all consequences of prolonged exposure to microgravity. While the fact that both astronauts were able to walk within 24 hours of landing is an encouraging sign, the images have ignited a broader discussion about the hidden physical toll of long-duration spaceflight.