Sunita Williams, the renowned Indian-American astronaut, has been in space since June 2024. NASA launched Boeing's Starliner spacecraft with Williams and Barry Wilmore onboard to conduct critical testing at the International Space Station (ISS). Initially planned as a brief mission, unforeseen technical issues have extended their stay, raising questions about how Williams is adapting to life in space and the impact on her body.
Why Is Sunita Williams Still in Space?
The Starliner mission was a pivotal step in NASA's effort to certify Boeing's spacecraft for future human missions. However, technical issues during the mission prompted NASA to delay the astronauts' return to Earth.
'Spaceflight inherently carries risks, especially during test flights like the Starliner mission,' said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.
NASA prioritized astronaut safety over mission timelines, and the return of Williams and Wilmore is now scheduled for early 2025 via SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
The Physical Impact of Spaceflight on the Human Body
Extended stays in space are transformative but challenging for the human body, particularly due to the absence of gravity. Let’s explore these changes:
1. Muscle and Bone Deterioration
In microgravity, muscles that maintain posture—such as in the back, neck, and legs—atrophy rapidly. Within just two weeks, muscle mass can decrease by 20%, and on longer missions, the loss can reach up to 30%.
Bones also suffer. Astronauts lose 1-2% of bone mass per month, and regaining it can take years after returning to Earth.
2. Fluid Shift and Vision Changes
Without gravity, bodily fluids shift upward, causing puffiness in the face and thinning of limbs. This phenomenon, called fluid shift, also puts pressure on the eyes, leading to vision impairments.
3. Changes in the Brain and DNA
Studies reveal altered neural connectivity in the brain, impacting motor functions. Space travel also affects DNA, particularly telomeres, which may shorten or change, accelerating ageing or increasing susceptibility to diseases.
4. Immune System and Protein Changes
Recent research found changes in 18 proteins related to immunity, ageing, and muscle growth. Gender-specific responses to space travel have also been noted, highlighting the need for tailored health solutions.
How Is Sunita Williams Coping?
Despite concerns about her visible weight loss, Williams clarified that her appearance is largely due to fluid shift, not malnutrition. She emphasized that she is receiving adequate nutrition, and enjoying meals like Turkish fish stew and rice.
Through rigorous exercise regimens, Williams has gained muscle, especially in her legs. Her resilience and adaptability underscore her experience as a seasoned astronaut, with 322 days in space over three missions.
Record-Breaking Astronauts and Space Missions
- Frank Rubio: Spent 371 days aboard the ISS, setting a record for the longest American spaceflight in 2023.
- Valeri Polyakov: Holds the overall record, spending 437 days on the Mir Space Station in the mid-1990s.
- Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub: Achieved the longest ISS stay, spending 374 days in orbit as of September 2024.
When Will Williams Return?
NASA has confirmed that Williams and her team will return in early 2025 aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule. Until then, the astronauts remain focused on their mission, contributing invaluable data to NASA’s goals for long-term space exploration and human spaceflight.
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Akanksha Sinha
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