Rebecca Kesby

But after the Boeing spacecraft they travelled on suffered technical problems, their mission was dramatically extended. Butch and Sonny embraced their time on the orbiting lab, carrying out an array of experiments and conducting spacewalks. But space takes a toll on the body, as Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, explains.

But after the Boeing spacecraft they travelled on suffered technical problems, their mission was dramatically extended. Butch and Sonny embraced their time on the orbiting lab, carrying out an array of experiments and conducting spacewalks. But space takes a toll on the body, as Helen Sharman, Britain's first astronaut, explains.

let's say, get back to normal. After emerging from the capsule with waves, big smiles and a thumbs up, Butch and Sunny will now be flown to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston for medical checks, before at long last being reunited with their friends and family. Rebecca Murrell.

let's say, get back to normal. After emerging from the capsule with waves, big smiles and a thumbs up, Butch and Sunny will now be flown to the Johnson Space Centre in Houston for medical checks, before at long last being reunited with their friends and family. Rebecca Murrell.

And what did you find?

And what did you find?

And what was the technique that you used to make these discoveries?

And what was the technique that you used to make these discoveries?

Fascinating. So you've done this through living humans, not fossils and digging up bones and that sort of thing.

Fascinating. So you've done this through living humans, not fossils and digging up bones and that sort of thing.

You've done this research using living people. Geographically, did you work out whether people are still living in the same sort of areas or whether there's been migrational moves or that sort of thing?

You've done this research using living people. Geographically, did you work out whether people are still living in the same sort of areas or whether there's been migrational moves or that sort of thing?

After more than nine months in space, a fond farewell, as Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams' mission finally comes to a close. Inside their SpaceX capsule, final preparations are underway for Butch and Sonny and two other crewmates who are sharing the ride home.

After more than nine months in space, a fond farewell, as Butch Wilmore and Sonny Williams' mission finally comes to a close. Inside their SpaceX capsule, final preparations are underway for Butch and Sonny and two other crewmates who are sharing the ride home.

Butch and Sonny's mission began last June. Three, two, one, ignition.

Butch and Sonny's mission began last June. Three, two, one, ignition.

But the spacecraft they were travelling on, made by Boeing, suffered technical problems and it was deemed too risky to bring them back to Earth. It meant their eight-day mission was dramatically extended.

But the spacecraft they were travelling on, made by Boeing, suffered technical problems and it was deemed too risky to bring them back to Earth. It meant their eight-day mission was dramatically extended.

The NASA pair have made the most of their stay, carrying out an array of experiments and going on a spacewalk, with Sunny breaking the record for the most hours spent outside of the space station. And there was even a chance to celebrate Christmas that they'd planned to have at home. So from all of us to all of you,

The NASA pair have made the most of their stay, carrying out an array of experiments and going on a spacewalk, with Sunny breaking the record for the most hours spent outside of the space station. And there was even a chance to celebrate Christmas that they'd planned to have at home. So from all of us to all of you,