NASA monitors astronaut Sunita Williams' health after significant ...

NASA is carefully observing the health of astronaut Sunita Williams after significant weight loss during her extended mission with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore on the International Space Station (ISS). Originally planned as an eight-day mission, Williams’ stay has stretched beyond 150 days due to technical setbacks with the Boeing Starliner, which returned without the crew. Recent photos showing her gaunt appearance have sparked concerns about the physical impact of long-term space travel.

A NASA source familiar with the mission told the New York Post that Williams’ condition has raised significant concern, noting she has “lost a lot of weight” and now looks “skin and bones.” Stabilising her weight has become a priority for the agency. “I gasped when I saw the latest photo,” the source added. “It’s a real concern, and everyone is taking it seriously.”

Challenges of weight maintenance in space

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Williams, who weighed around 140 lbs at launch, has struggled to meet the daily 3,500 to 4,000-calorie intake required to counterbalance the high physical demands of space life. “When you start falling behind on calories, your weight drops fast,” the NASA employee explained. The challenge is intensified by the two-plus hours of daily exercise needed to preserve muscle and bone mass in a weightless environment, which expends extra calories.

NASA doctors have been addressing Williams’ weight loss for over a month, following observations that female astronauts may experience muscle loss at a faster rate than their male counterparts due to metabolic shifts in space. According to a NASA physician, Williams’ appearance reflects “the natural stresses of living at a high altitude, even in a pressurised cabin for extended periods.”

NASA’s reassurance on health monitoring

A NASA spokesperson reassured the public, emphasising that all ISS astronauts undergo regular health evaluations. “They have dedicated flight surgeons monitoring them and are in good health,” the spokesperson stated, aiming to alleviate concerns while Williams continues her mission.