NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has added another medical check-up to her in-space routine. Following eye scans earlier this month, Williams underwent a standard hearing test on Tuesday, the space agency confirmed.
The hearing test, conducted alongside her colleague Butch Wilmore, is part of NASA’s ongoing efforts to understand the impact of microgravity on the human body. As the duo remains stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) due to delays in the Boeing Starliner spacecraft’s return, these check-ups are crucial for monitoring their health and well-being.
Earlier this August, the cornea, retina, and lens of Sunita Williams were scanned using standard medical imaging hardware.
Previously, NASA informing that Starliner pilot Sunita Williams and commander Butch Wilmore participated in vein scans using the Ultrasound 2 device.
What Is Sunita Williams Doing In Space?
The Starliner spacecraft, which was initially scheduled to return Williams and Wilmore to Earth, has encountered a series of technical challenges, forcing NASA to postpone the mission indefinitely. While the crew remains in good spirits, the extended stay in space has presented logistical and psychological challenges.
NASA is exploring alternative return options, including a potential ride home on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in 2025. However, this is contingent on various factors, including the availability of the Dragon capsule and the crew’s physical condition.
Williams Health Problems
Astronauts are at risk of hearing loss or vision impairment during their long time in space. NASA said in one of their earlier reports that a number of astronauts who have returned to Earth after long stays aboard the space station reported a “subjective change in their eyesight”.
In the meantime, Williams and Wilmore are keeping busy with a range of scientific experiments and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS. They are also participating in educational outreach programs, connecting with students and the public to inspire the next generation of space explorers.
As the saga of the Starliner spacecraft continues, the world watches with anticipation as NASA navigates this complex situation. The health and safety of the crew remain the top priority, and the data collected from these medical tests will undoubtedly contribute to future space missions and the overall understanding of human physiology in microgravity.
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