The media talked about the consequences for astronauts after a long stay in space.

Astronauts of the US National Aerospace Administration for Aeronautics and Space Exploration (NASA) Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore may face lifelong back problems after a nine-month mission in space. This was reported on March 20 by the British newspaper Daily Mail, citing research and doctors.

"NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore may suffer from excruciating back pain throughout their lives due to their nine-month space mission," the publication says.

So, according to the newspaper, about a third of astronauts who spend months in zero gravity suffer from chronic back pain due to the "degradation" of the spine.

Doctors explained to the publication that the absence of gravity reduces the compression load on the spine, which causes it to straighten and lengthen. And when he returns to earth, he returns to his normal state, but remains weakened.

Experts warn 59-year-old Williams and 62-year-old Wilmore about the long road to recovery, the Daily Mail noted.

"It will take them at least three to six months to feel completely normal again, and probably more time for their spine to return to the condition it was in before the flight," said orthopedic surgeon Ehsan Jazini.

Step into the Universe: how a man went into outer space

Cosmonaut Alexey Leonov made his flight 60 years ago.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that NASA had not paid overtime to astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to a malfunction of the spacecraft. Jimi Russell, a spokesman for the Office of Space Operations, noted that the costs of transportation, food and accommodation for astronauts in space are covered. In addition, they receive a daily allowance instead of reimbursing travel expenses.

On March 19, the Crew Dragon Freedom spacecraft successfully landed off the coast of Florida. In addition to Wilmore and Ulama, Alexander Gorbunov and Nick Hague returned to earth.