Thu Nov 07 18:44:46 UTC 2024: ## Concerns Grow for Stranded NASA Astronauts on ISS
**Cape Canaveral, FL** – Concerns for the health of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for 153 days, are rising after recent images surfaced showing Williams with a gaunt appearance.
The astronauts were originally scheduled for an eight-day mission but have been stuck on the ISS since June 6th due to technical malfunctions with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. They are not expected to return until February 2025, when they will be transported back to Earth via a SpaceX capsule.
While Williams appears in good spirits in the photo, her sunken cheeks have raised red flags among medical experts. Dr. Vinay Gupta, speaking to the Daily Mail, attributed the change to a significant calorie deficit, despite the astronauts consuming high-calorie foods like cold cuts and meats.
The human body burns more calories in space than on Earth due to low temperatures and harsh conditions. Dr. Gupta highlighted the potential for total body weight loss, expressing concern over Williams’s current weight.
These concerns come amid the recent hospitalization of four NASA astronauts from Crew 8, who returned to Earth after a 200-day mission on the ISS. One astronaut required overnight care at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola hospital, though the nature of the medical emergency was not disclosed by NASA.
The extended stay on the ISS and the recent medical events are raising questions about the long-term health risks associated with space travel and the need for improved safety protocols. NASA is closely monitoring the situation and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the well-being of its astronauts.
First Piper 