DADADEL
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June, anticipating an eight-day stay. However, technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft have prolonged their mission indefinitely.
The Starliner encountered propulsion system failures, including five stalled maneuvering thrusters, helium leaks, and a faulty propellant valve. Despite Boeing’s assurances of safety, NASA deemed the spacecraft too risky for the astronauts’ return. Consequently, their return is now scheduled for early 2025 via SpaceX’s Crew-9 capsule, extending their mission to nearly nine months.
Recent photographs of the astronauts have raised public concern, particularly regarding Williams’ noticeably thinner appearance. While NASA maintains that both astronauts are in good health, internal discussions suggest efforts to address Williams’ weight loss.
Extended space missions can significantly impact the human body, leading to muscle and bone loss and increased caloric expenditure. Female astronauts, like Williams, may be more susceptible to these effects. Reports indicate that Williams has struggled to maintain the necessary caloric intake, resulting in noticeable weight loss.
Public concern has grown, with social media users questioning the astronauts’ well-being. Williams has attributed her appearance to fluid shifts caused by weightlessness. With several months remaining before their scheduled return, NASA faces the challenge of ensuring the astronauts’ health and safety. This situation also brings attention to Boeing’s Starliner program, which has experienced multiple setbacks.
