On June 5, 2024, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore launched into space aboard Boeing Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts were only scheduled for an eight-day mission and were set to return after. However, their return has been delayed due to some critical technical snags, like helium issues, thruster anomalies, and software issues, in the spacecraft, which have left them stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) ever since. Recently, in a statement, NASA mentioned that there would be a delay in returning its astronauts and that Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore may not return to Earth until February 2025, but this has not been confirmed. This technical issue has forced the agency to brainstorm and come up with alternative recovery plans. According to reports, the astronauts are safe and sound for the moment. The ISS, their current home, is fully equipped to keep them safe for the next half-year. So, let’s learn more about how long an astronaut can stay in space, what health risks they may face, and more. Sunita Williams, Barry Butch Wilmore Stuck in Space: NASA Runs 1,00,000 Simulations for Safe Return of Astronauts From International Space Station.

How Long Can Astronaut Stay in Space?

Usually, an astronaut can stay in space for about six months if they are docking on the International Space Station. This time frame is based on how long the body can handle the effects of exposure to radiation, muscle loss, weaker bones, and the effects of microgravity. In the past, US astronaut Frank Rubio set a new record by staying in space for 371 days. But the all-time record is held by Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 days on Russia's Mir space station from 1994 to 1995.

What Health Risks Do Astronauts in Space Face?

According to a statement released by NASA, the astronauts have been undergoing various scans and tests at the ISS. On July 18, NASA released a statement saying that doctors monitored the scans in real-time. NASA explained that in space, astronauts are exposed to higher and different levels of radiation compared to Earth. This radiation comes from particles trapped in Earth's magnetic field, solar particles from the Sun, and galactic cosmic rays. While Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from much of this radiation, astronauts in space lack this protection due to the absence of a significant atmosphere. According to NASA, this exposure increases the risk of cancer and degenerative diseases like heart disease and cataracts for astronauts, with most health risks coming from long-term effects. In addition, an extended stay in space also results in loss of bone density and strength, space sickness, vision problems, kidney stones, and even brain damage. Sunita Williams, Barry Butch Wilmore May Remain Stuck in Space Till Next Year; NASA Plans To Bring Back Astronauts From ISS on SpaceX Dragon in February 2025 (Watch Video).

The problems with the Starliner and the need to rely on another spacecraft show how complicated and challenging modern space exploration can be. This issue also highlights the need for reliable spacecraft that can keep astronauts safe. With no proper and dependable options, the astronauts will be at a major risk.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2024 01:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).