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Cover Story - Spanish Version

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Earth To Shannon: Welcome Back

When astronaut Shannon Lucid, 53, arrived back on earth last Thursday, she surprised everyone. "I can stand up," she insisted. Doctors had thought that after 188 days in space, she would be too weak to stand. But Lucid refused to lie on a stretcher. With help from two workers, she walked from the shuttle Atlantis to a moving sidewalk, then sank into a reclining chair. Earth's gravity, she admitted, made her feel heavy.

Lucid's time in space broke the previous American record of 115 days. A Russian still holds the world record of 439 days.

The returning hero was showered with homecoming gifts. President Clinton sent Lucid a 10-pound box of red, white and blue M&Ms. Lucid had craved the little candies while stuck onboard the Russian space station Mir. Frito-Lay offered to ship her 188 cases of potato chips--one for each day she was in space--and Lucid will donate 188 cases of chips to a charity. Coca-Cola promised her a year's supply of Diet Coke. She likes cola so much, she had it with her first breakfast once she returned to earth.

Now Lucid must get her strength back. NASA officials say this could take months. NASA doctors, who will conduct many tests on Lucid, estimate that she has lost 25% of her muscle strength. She may feel tired and dizzy. Her bones are probably weaker, and she may have too little iron in her blood.

President Clinton phoned Lucid soon after her return. "You're a terrific inspiration for young women around the country and all around the world," he said.

After all that time in space, Lucid wants to catch up with her three kids, all of whom are in their 20s, and enjoy earth's great outdoors. Her next mission: a camping trip with her son and skating with her daughters.

Next: Good Night, Moon!