Jess Hardiman
The daughter of NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore has shared an update on her father after his triumphant return to Earth earlier this week.
Wilmore and Sunita Williams splashed down on Earth in waters off the coast of Florida, and were stretchered off for medical examinations.
Both had spoken out about looking forward to seeing loved ones at home after their eight-day mission was prolonged to a nine-month trip.
And it seems the feeling was very mutual, with Wilmore’s daughter Daryn sharing an emotional TikTok video the day he returned.
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She captioned the post: “We’re in a good mood today! Dad is comin back to Earth!”
Daryn said she was making him his favourite dessert – pecan pie - as the family were planning a small get-together for his homecoming.
Over the past few days, the TikToker has also replied to various comments asking about her Dad’s experience, confirming that he’s doing okay.
One person asked: “How’s he adjusting to gravity? I’ve been thinking about that the last couple of days. I feel like that must be so difficult.”
Daryn replied: “It’s rough, but he’s a trooper."
Another commented: “Were they really ok with staying there or are they disappointed with the response and having to be performative? I want [a] reunion video!!!!”
Wilmore’s daughter said there was unfortunately no video footage of their reunion, adding: “And they were bummed but it’s all ok.”
As another asked if he was ‘happy up there’, she reiterated: “Yeah he just got bummed.”
Of course, both Wilmore and Williams will have a lengthy recovery process ahead of them, with NASA’s 45-day rehabilitation programme now underway.
Daryn said he was ‘walking and snacking’, but stressed: “Recovery time depends on the individual.”
The programme is broken down into three stages, beginning with a focus on walking, flexibility and muscle strengthening, before things move on to phase two, which adds proprioceptive exercises – aimed at strengthening the body and improving the mind's perception of its movement and position - and cardio reconditioning.
Finally, phase three – the longest – focuses on returning astronauts to their optimal level of physical performance via functional development training.
This process is crucial for astronauts returning home, as while they may exercise for at least two hours a day while on the ISS, this isn’t enough to fully counter the effects their bodies experience.