Part 3/16:
After returning, astronauts often experience disorientation as parts of their vestibular system—the inner ear structures responsible for balance—are temporarily compromised. Garrett recalls how, upon arrival back on Earth, the weight of objects seemed suddenly insurmountable, and the shift in bodily fluids caused his face to puff up significantly, reminiscent of being upside down or hanging by gravity boots. It takes almost a year to fully recover balance, bone strength, and muscle mass, underscoring the profound impact of microgravity on the human body.