Why are they stuck in Space?
The original mission aimed to test the capabilities of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft and conduct scientific experiments aboard the ISS. However, due to unforeseen technical difficulties with the spacecraft, NASA decided to delay the astronauts’ return to avoid risking their safety. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained, “Spaceflight inherently carries risks, especially during test flights like the Starliner mission,” adding that “safety remains our top priority.” The agency’s decision reflects lessons learned from past space tragedies, such as the 2003 Columbia shuttle disaster, where safety was compromised during an exploratory mission.
As a result, the Starliner mission, initially planned as a brief stay, has evolved into an extended space journey. Williams and Wilmore have now spent several months in space, working and living in the ISS’s low-gravity environment.
How does extended space travel impact the human body?
Prolonged space travel affects the human body in various ways, primarily due to the lack of gravity. One of the first changes astronauts notice is muscle atrophy. Muscles that are typically responsible for maintaining posture, such as those in the back, neck, and legs, begin to weaken when they are no longer required to work in microgravity. After two weeks in space, astronauts can lose as much as 20% of their muscle mass. This loss increases with longer missions, reaching up to 30% after several months in space, as reported by the BBC.
Another critical issue is the loss of bone mass. In microgravity, astronauts can lose 1-2% of their bone mass each month, leading to weakened bones that are more prone to fractures. Over a six-month mission, bone mass could decrease by up to 10%, with recovery potentially taking several years after returning to Earth. Even with daily exercise and dietary supplements, astronauts are not fully able to counteract these effects.
Space travel also impacts the cardiovascular system. Blood tends to accumulate in the upper body due to the absence of gravity, which can lead to changes in vision and facial appearance. Astronauts often experience a puffier face and thinner limbs, a phenomenon known as ‘fluid shift.’
Williams addresses physical changes during her stay in Space
In a recent video update, Sunita Williams addressed concerns about changes in her appearance, particularly the noticeable weight loss. She explained that the changes were not caused by weight loss but by ‘fluid shift,’ where bodily fluids shift upwards toward the face and upper body. “When you don’t have gravity pulling your fluids down, everything moves upwards. Your face puffs up, your limbs tend to get thinner,” Williams explained. Despite these changes, Williams noted that she has gained muscle mass, especially in her legs, thanks to regular exercise.Williams also shared some details about her meals in space, saying that she enjoys dishes like Turkish fish stew with olives and rice. Although she did not go into specifics about her diet plan, she reassured the public that she is getting proper nutrition during her extended stay. “I get plenty of food, and I’m in good shape,” she added.
Which other astronauts have spent extended time in space?
Williams and Wilmore are not the only astronauts to spend extended time in space. In 2023, NASA astronaut Frank Rubio set a new record for the longest single spaceflight by an American, spending 371 days aboard the ISS. His return was delayed due to a coolant leak, which extended his mission significantly. Before that, Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov held the record for the longest continuous space mission. He spent 437 days aboard the Mir space station in the 1990s.
In September 2024, Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub surpassed Rubio’s record by spending 374 days aboard the ISS. These extended missions have shown the resilience of astronauts and the ongoing challenges of long-term space travel.
When will Williams and Wilmore return?
Both Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are seasoned astronauts. Williams, who has spent 322 days in space across three missions, is known for her record-setting spacewalks. Wilmore, a retired US Navy Captain, has completed two spaceflights, totalling 178 days in space. Despite the challenges of extended spaceflight, both astronauts remain in good spirits and continue to contribute to scientific research on the ISS.
NASA has confirmed that Williams and Wilmore will return to Earth in early 2025. They will use SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which successfully docked with the ISS on September 29, 2024, to bring the astronauts back to Earth. Their return marks the end of a prolonged mission that began in June and has provided valuable data for NASA’s long-term goals in human space exploration.
As they prepare for their journey home, Williams and Wilmore remain focused on their mission’s scientific objectives, gathering essential data for future space missions.