After nine grueling months in space, NASA’s stranded astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, have finally returned to Earth—but experts warn of serious health consequences.

Shocking before-and-after images reveal the toll of prolonged space exposure, from muscle atrophy and ‘chicken legs’ to an increased risk of cancer. As the astronauts emerged from their SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, medical teams rushed to assist them onto stretchers, a standard procedure due to weakened muscles.

Now at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, they will undergo intensive medical evaluations. Even before their return, experts had raised concerns over their gaunt appearance and weight loss, highlighting the long-term risks of their extended stay in space.