Sat Nov 09 06:44:54 UTC 2024: ## NASA Astronaut’s Appearance Raises Health Concerns After 153 Days in Space
Concerns for the health of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) since June 6th, have escalated after a recent photo showing Williams looking remarkably thin.
Williams and Wilmore, originally scheduled for an eight-day mission, have been in space for 153 days due to a technical malfunction with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. A new photo, showing the astronauts sharing an unorthodox meal of uncooked pizza, ketchup, mustard, and other sundries, has raised alarm bells.
While Williams appears in good spirits, her noticeably sunken cheeks have prompted medical experts to express concern. Dr. Vinay Gupta, speaking to the Daily Mail, attributes Williams’ gaunt appearance to a significant calorie deficit, a common consequence of prolonged space travel. The human body burns more calories in space due to low temperatures and harsh conditions.
Gupta also highlights the threat of muscle atrophy, a known health risk for astronauts spending extended periods in space. He notes that the astronauts’ diet, though high in calories, may not be balanced, consisting of cold cuts and other protein-rich but high-fat foods.
These concerns echo recent events where a crew of four NASA astronauts, returning from a 200-day mission aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, were rushed to the hospital. While NASA did not disclose the nature of the medical emergency, one astronaut remained hospitalized overnight before being released the following day.
The alarming appearance of astronaut Williams and the recent health scare involving the returning crew underscore the significant health risks associated with long-duration space travel.
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