Astronaut stranded in space for over 9 months says she's 'trying to remember how to walk'

NASA astronaut Sunita 'Suni' Williams says she's relearning 'how to walk' after being stranded in space for over 9 months.

A NASA-SpaceX rescue mission was planned for Tuesday (12 March), promising to bring her and fellow astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore back home.

But, it was called off at the last minute due to complications with the hydraulic system on the launch tower.

However, the mission has been rescheduled for today (14 March), meaning their long-awaited return is very close.

Astronauts undergo a long series of training before heading to space, from intensive simulations to physical endurance tests.

But, adjusting to life back on Earth can be just as challenging. After all, they adapted to life without gravity, making even the simplest of routines like eating, drinking and washing very different to life here on our own planet.

The rescue mission for the two astronauts has been rescheduled for Friday 14 March. MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor / Getty

Over time, the body adapts to life in space so when astronauts return to a 'normal' life, they need time to readjust.

Williams, who has now been on the International Space Station (ISS) for almost 10 months, spoke about the unexpected challenge of relearning basic movements.

The pair have had to spend holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving in orbit and away from their families - and even resort to eating soup made out of their own urine.

"I've been up here long enough right now I've been trying to remember how to walk," Williams admitted to students at Needham High School, her prior school, as reported by People.

"I haven't walked. I haven't sat down. I haven't laid down. You don't have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here."

Following some released photos showing the astronauts' thinner look, some have expressed concerns about the duo's health. However, NASA has reassured the public that both astronauts are in good condition despite their extended stay.

Elon Musk has vowed to bring back Williams and Wilmore. NurPhoto / Contributor / Getty

Williams continued to say that the time she ended up spending in space was 'a little bit of a shock,' adding: "We knew that it would be probably a month or so, honestly. But the extended stay was just a little bit different."

Previously, the Biden administration reportedly announced the SpaceX Crew-10 mission would go and rescue Williams and Wilmore, but for some reason, this never came about.

As such, tech billionaire Elon Musk revealed on X that President Trump had ordered the aeronautics company to bring them back home immediately. "We will do so," Musk assured everyone on his social media platform.