Mumbai, November 7: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently stationed on the International Space Station (ISS), is facing health challenges after an extended stay of six months due to an unexpected malfunction with the Starliner spacecraft. Originally planned as an eight-day mission, Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore have had to adapt to the demanding conditions of long-duration space travel, including weightlessness and limited resources.

Recently released photos reveal a visibly thinner Williams, with noticeable signs of weight loss, such as sunken cheeks, raising concerns among medical professionals. Dr Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist from Seattle, commented that Williams’ appearance suggests she may be experiencing the physical stresses of prolonged space habitation, including a possible calorie deficit. Sunita Williams To Return on Earth Soon as SpaceX Launches Crew 9 Mission To Bring Back NASA Astronauts Stuck on ISS (Watch Video).

Although Williams was seen enjoying pizza and snacks, Dr. Gupta noted that her body seems to be burning more calories than she consumes, which is common in the calorie-demanding environment of space. This issue is compounded by the rigorous physical routine required to combat muscle and bone loss, as astronauts are expected to exercise for about 2.5 hours daily.

Sunita Williams in Space (Photo Credit: X/@space_station)

Despite these concerns, Dr. Gupta does not view her condition as immediately life-threatening, though he questions whether her current weight is ideal for her health. Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore Stuck in Space: Astronauts on ISS Will Return in SpaceX Capsule in February 2025 as Boeing Starliner to Return Crewless, Says NASA (Watch Video).

After SpaceX’s Crew-8 astronauts returned from the ISS in late October, they were immediately sent for medical check-ups, with one staying overnight for additional treatment. This raised further concerns about the health risks and long-term effects of space travel on astronauts.

NASA Responds to Concerns About Sunita Williams’ Health Condition

Following reports on Williams’ health, NASA reassured the public that its astronauts on the ISS are closely monitored by flight surgeons and undergo regular medical evaluations. Jimi Russell, spokesperson for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, said that the astronauts remain “in good health” and receive routine assessments to ensure their well-being.

The agency’s commitment to maintaining crew health includes constant monitoring to address potential risks associated with extended missions. Williams and Wilmore are expected to remain on the ISS until February, when they are scheduled for retrieval via Elon Musk’s Dragon capsule.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2024 04:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).