Sunita Williams’ health raises concerns after 150 days on ISS amid space challenges.
Concerns regarding astronaut Sunita Williams’ health have emerged after a recent photo showed her appearing noticeably thin following her extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
Initially, Williams, 59, and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore embarked on an eight-day mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
However, after a malfunction during docking on June 6, they have now spent over 150 days in orbit.
Health implications are now in focus as space conditions can significantly impact the human body.
The Physiological Stress of Space Conditions
According to Dr. Vinay Gupta, a Seattle-based pulmonologist, the visible weight loss Williams displays in recent images points to a possible caloric deficit.
The unique conditions in space require the human body to burn more calories, creating a greater demand for a high-calorie diet.
However, even with calorie-dense food, astronauts can struggle to meet these needs due to increased metabolic demands.
Reduced oxygen levels and increased metabolic rates further intensify physiological stress, requiring around 2.5 hours of daily exercise to counteract muscle and bone loss, adding to the caloric demand.
Women Face Unique Health Risks in Space
Space missions present varied health challenges, particularly for female astronauts. NASA research shows that women face a greater risk of muscle degradation and blood plasma loss than their male counterparts during space travel.
In a Ball University study simulating weightlessness, muscle degradation was more pronounced in women over shorter durations, underscoring the need for gender-specific health support.
NASA Monitors Health as Return Plans Await
As Williams and Wilmore await a safe return to Earth, NASA is likely monitoring their health closely.
The recent hospitalization of another astronaut after a prolonged ISS stay further highlights the importance of tailored health protocols for extended space missions, especially for female astronauts facing unique challenges.
