Concerns over astronaut Sunita Williams’ health have emerged after recent images of the 59-year-old astronaut showed her looking visibly thinner than usual.
Story Summary:
- A recent photo of astronaut Sunita Williams sparked concern due to her noticeably thin appearance after months on the ISS.
- NASA assured the public of Williams’ health, confirming routine monitoring and medical support for all astronauts.
- Williams’ current mission, extended due to technical issues, has kept her in space for over 150 days.
NASA clears the air on Sunita Williams gaunt appearance
Williams has been on the International Space Station (ISS) since early June for what was initially planned as an eight-day mission alongside fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore.
However, complications with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft have kept them in orbit, now marking over 150 days in space.
NASA officials responded to public concerns, stressing that Williams is receiving consistent health checks.
“All are in good health,” assured NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell, adding that dedicated flight surgeons closely monitor the astronauts on the ISS.
Despite her prolonged mission, NASA maintains that both Williams and her crewmate Wilmore are under watchful care to manage the physical stresses of extended space travel.
The ISS, while offering a unique research environment, presents significant challenges to the human body.
Space conditions can accelerate calorie burn and place immense stress on the body.
Seattle pulmonologist Dr Vinay Gupta, who reviewed recent images of Williams, noted her “sunken cheeks,” suggesting that “she has probably been at a significant calorie deficit for a while.”
Speaking to Daily Mail, he explained that in space, the body’s metabolism requires higher energy due to the conditions, increasing the risk of calorie depletion and physical strain.
To mitigate muscle and bone loss, astronauts on the ISS engage in about 2.5 hours of daily exercise, which can further deplete calories.
Williams and her team consume high-calorie meals to offset these demands, but maintaining physical health over an extended period remains a challenge.
A veteran astronaut, Williams has spent over 322 cumulative days in space over her career, making her one of the most experienced female astronauts.
Selected by NASA in 1998, Williams has logged hours on multiple missions, including serving as Commander on Expedition 33.
Her extended mission this year adds to her long list of accomplishments, reinforcing her legacy as one of NASA’s leading astronauts.
Williams and Wilmore were supposed to return to Earth in June, but their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner, experienced a malfunction that led NASA to delay their journey back.
Initially slated as a short mission, the extension has put additional strain on the astronauts’ physical and mental health.
NASA has confirmed that Williams and Wilmore are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a different spacecraft, SpaceX’s Dragon.
