NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June, expecting to return within eight days. However, a series of technical failures in their Boeing Starliner spacecraft extended their stay indefinitely. The mission, initially routine, quickly turned into a high-stakes endurance challenge.
Starliner’s Malfunctions
The problems began with Starliner’s propulsion system, where five maneuvering thrusters stalled. Additional complications included helium leaks and a faulty propellant valve, raising significant safety concerns. Despite Boeing’s insistence that the spacecraft was secure, NASA ultimately deemed it too risky for the astronauts to return aboard Starliner.
NASA has now scheduled the astronauts’ return for early 2025 via SpaceX’s Crew-9 capsule. This means Wilmore and Williams will have spent nearly nine months in space, far exceeding their original mission duration.
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Health Concerns Arise
Recent photos of the astronauts have sparked widespread concern. In images shared by the ISS, both appear thinner, but Williams’ gaunt appearance, with hollow cheeks and a visibly slimmer frame, has raised alarm. Social media users and experts alike have commented on the drastic change in her physical appearance.
NASA has attempted to quell public concern by stating that all astronauts undergo routine medical evaluations and are in good health. Despite this reassurance, leaked internal discussions suggest that NASA is actively working to stabilize Williams’ weight loss.
Space’s Impact on the Human Body
Space travel takes a toll on the human body, particularly during prolonged missions. Microgravity, limited diet, and rigorous exercise regimens are known to cause muscle and bone loss, as well as increased caloric burn. Female astronauts, such as Williams, are especially prone to weight and muscle loss during extended spaceflights.
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NASA flight surgeons are closely monitoring both astronauts. Reports indicate that Williams has struggled to maintain the high-calorie intake necessary for sustaining her weight in space, despite dietary interventions. “The pounds have melted off her, and she’s now skin and bones,” said one NASA insider.
Concerns about the astronauts’ health have reached social media, where users question their well-being. “Is Suni OK?” asked one commenter on Instagram, while another on X expressed worry over the health of both astronauts. Despite these reactions, Williams downplayed the concerns in a livestream, attributing her appearance to fluid shifts caused by weightlessness.
With several months remaining before their scheduled return, NASA is under pressure to ensure the astronauts’ health and safety. The situation also casts a shadow over Boeing’s Starliner program, which has faced multiple delays and setbacks. Public scrutiny will likely continue as the world waits for Wilmore and Williams’ safe return to Earth.