Imagine living in a tin can, floating miles above Earth – into the space. That is the reality for NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, whose return home has delayed due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft. As per reports, the spacecraft is facing a dangerous helium leakage which can make it blast into pieces once it comes to the contact of the earth orbit.
Health Issues Williams Is Expected To Face In Space
While the view is undoubtedly breathtaking, the physiological challenges are immense. In a press conference experts from NASA said, “Williams’ condition is known as Spaceflight Associates Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) and it reportedly affects the fluid distribution in the body leading to issues with vision. This condition causes blurry vision and can also change the structure of the eye. Scans of Wiliams’ retina, cornea, and lens have been conducts to gauge her eye health”.
Life in microgravity takes a toll on the human body in ways we are still uncovering. In this article, we tell you what actually happens to the body of any astronuats who satys in the space for a longer than expected time period.
Loss of Bone Density:
One major issue for astronauts, including Sunita Williams, is the effect of microgravity on the body. Without gravity, muscles and bones weaken, leading to muscle atrophy and bone density loss. These changes can be problematic for astronauts living on the ISS.
Cardiovascular Health: Space travel also impacts the cardiovascular system. Astronauts may suffer from cardiovascular deconditioning, where the heart muscle weakens because it has less work to do in microgravity. This condition can reduce their aerobic capacity and make it difficult to adjust back to Earth’s gravity.
Muscle Atrophy: When astronauts aren’t constantly working against gravity, their muscles begin to deteriorate. This can make simple tasks difficult upon return, and rehabilitation can be a long process.
Vision Impairment: Vision impairment is another concern for astronauts on long missions. Many, including Sunita Williams, report changes in eyesight after being in space for a while. The exact cause is still not fully understood, which raises concerns about long-term eye health.
Apart from all the physical challenges, astronauts who stays in the ISS for longer period of time, also deals with psychological stress. The isolation and confinement of space missions can affect mental health. It’s crucial for astronauts like Williams to maintain mental resilience and effective coping strategies.
Is Sunita Williams Safe In The Space?
While space agency NASA is taking all the essential steps to mitigate these crucial health risks for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, there are specific activities that these astronauts perform in the space to stay safe. They engage in regular exercise regimens, dietary supplements, and regular medical check-ups. However, the reality is that long-duration space travel is still a frontier. As we push the boundaries of human exploration, we must also prioritize the health and well-being of our astronauts.
Read Also- US FDA Proposes New Restrictions on Sodium Levels in Packaged and Processed Foods
When Is Sunita Williams Coming Back To Earth?
Following a serious backlash over the delayed and extended stay of the NASA astronauts from all corners of the globe, the Boeing announced that the astronauts would remain on the ISS. And their return date is still not confirm.
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