### Astronauts Adapt to Extended ISS Missions with Rigorous Health Protocols

The duration of the Crew-8 mission, totaling 235 days, slightly exceeded the standard length of an International Space Station (ISS) mission, yet it was far from exceptional. Historically, several astronauts have remained aboard the ISS for an entire year. The record for the longest ISS mission was set by the three astronauts of Soyuz MS-22/23, who stayed nearly 371 days from 2022 to 2023. Even more impressive, the all-time record for continuous space habitation belongs to Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who endured 437 days aboard the Soviet-Russian Mir space station during 1994-95.

Since the ISS began accommodating long-duration crews in 2000, NASA and its international partners have refined a multitude of strategies to ensure the health and well-being of astronauts. A typical day for an ISS crew member includes about two hours dedicated to physical exercise. This regimen is crucial given the effects of prolonged microgravity on the human body. In addition to physical well-being, mental health is rigorously monitored; astronauts have weekly consultations with a physician to help manage the psychological strains of long-duration space missions.

Re-entering Earth's gravity can be physically challenging for astronauts after extended periods in space. The reversal from microgravity involves a comprehensive rehabilitation program led by NASA doctors, customized to each astronaut's needs. Full recovery usually spans several months, integrating steps to gradually return the astronauts to their regular activities. However, many are capable of resuming tasks such as driving in just a few weeks post-landing.

This ongoing attention to both physical and mental health ensures that astronauts are well-prepared to tackle the unique challenges posed by long-term space missions, contributing to the advancement of human space exploration.