Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams has been on the International Space Station (ISS) for more than five months. Apart from Sunita, this team sent on a mission of just eight days also includes partner Barry Wilmore. Both have been waiting to return to earth for 150 days. Meanwhile, important information related to Sunita Williams' health has come to light. Let us tell you that Boeing Starliner was launched on June 5 this year. Sunita and Wilmore reached ISS on June 6.
Astronauts will return to Earth together in February 2025
Williams and Wilmore, trapped in the International Space Station laboratory for 156 days, are ready to return to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon capsule. According to the plan so far, along with Sunita Williams and Wilmore, four more astronauts included in the team will return to Earth together in February 2025.
US space agency is keeping a close eye
A report quoting a NASA employee has claimed that his photo, which surfaced last September, has raised concerns about his health, but the US space agency is keeping a close watch. Reportedly, apprehensions are also being expressed regarding Sunita Williams' 'weight loss', but NASA is continuously making efforts to ensure that her health remains good. Amidst all the concerns, it is also important to mention that on the occasion of Diwali, at 4.12 am (Indian time) on October 29, Sunita had issued a video message from space and extended good wishes. His health looks fine in this video.
She is looking 'skinny' in the picture… her cheeks are looking a little sunken
Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist (specialist in diseases related to lungs and respiratory system) living in Seattle, USA, expressed concern about Sunita's health. She claims that she was looking 'skinny' in the picture released by NASA on September 24. His cheeks look slightly sunken. Usually this happens when your entire body weight has decreased. The New York Post report quoting a NASA source said that the picture is shocking. However, after September 24, pictures from the International Space Station also surfaced on October 4. In this also it was said that Sunita was thin.
NASA spokesperson's official statement on Sunita's health
Now putting an end to the pictures going viral on social media and speculations related to Sunita's health, NASA's Space Operations Mission Directorate spokesperson Jimmy Russell issued a statement on November 8. He said, the health of all the astronauts currently deployed on the ISS is fine. Doctors are keeping an eye. Everyone is undergoing regular medical evaluation. Flight surgeons are monitoring closely.
What is Sunita Williams eating on the International Space Station?
In a report quoting a reliable source, a NASA employee gave information on the health of Sunita Williams on the condition of anonymity. This employee claims that she is directly associated with Sunita's mission. It told the American publication – New York Post that Sunita Williams has been unable to consume a high-calorie diet on the International Space Station. His diet is not what is standard for astronauts.
Initially Sunita's weight was around 140 pounds.
The New York Post report, quoting a NASA source, claims that Sunita Williams has lost weight. The team of doctors at NASA is making every effort to meet the challenge of Sunita's weight loss. Doctors started working with him about a month ago. According to the source, Sunita may have to eat up to 5,000 calories a day to stop her weight loss. The source said that Sunita weighed about 140 pounds at the beginning of the mission. An average woman on earth has to consume 1,600 to 2,400 calories to maintain her weight and maintain good health.
Space has many effects on women's health.
It is noteworthy that staying in space for a long time has many effects on the health of astronauts, especially women. Some common problems are weight loss, muscle breakdown, weak bones, eye and heart related problems. Problems like kidney stones can also occur. During space flight, female astronauts lose more weight than men. This happens due to changes in the muscles.
Astronauts returned to America from space a few weeks ago, health concerns emerged
This whole matter also came into discussion because another issue regarding the health of astronauts had come to light from America itself. When the passengers who stayed on the ISS for the Crew-8 mission returned to Earth for eight months, this NASA astronaut was admitted to the hospital for some time. One astronaut was kept under observation overnight, NASA reported, but the identity was not disclosed. He was discharged from the hospital the next day after investigation.
