New photos of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore raise questions about prolonged stay’s impact on well-being, New York Post reports.
Health concerns for two NASA astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) have emerged following the release of new photos showing one of them appearing visibly gaunt. Sunita Williams, 59, and Barry Wilmore have been in orbit since June 6, well past their initial eight-day mission due to technical malfunctions with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which delayed their return.
Williams, a seasoned astronaut, appears to have experienced notable physical changes, with a more hollow-cheeked look than when she first boarded the ISS. Although the astronauts are reported to be in good spirits, the recent images show the two dining on a makeshift meal of uncooked pizza, condiments, and assorted foods, leading some medical experts to express concerns about their health and nutritional intake.
Dr. Vinay Gupta, a medical expert, explained that living in space for an extended period can take a toll on the human body, especially when it comes to maintaining weight and muscle tone.
“What you’re seeing there in that picture is someone who may be experiencing the natural stresses of living in space, even in a pressurized cabin, for an extended period,” Gupta told The Daily Mail.
He noted that the visibly sunken appearance in Williams’ cheeks is likely due to a “significant” calorie deficit, as the body tends to burn more calories in the low-temperature and challenging conditions of space.
In space, muscle atrophy and a higher calorie burn rate are known concerns, and despite the high-calorie diet designed for ISS missions, Dr. Gupta observed that the limited food options — including high-fat, high-protein items like cold cuts — may not provide astronauts with the most balanced nutritional support.
This news follows the recent return of four astronauts on SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, who also faced medical evaluations after a lengthy 200-day stay on the ISS. One crew member was temporarily hospitalized but was released the next day. While NASA has not disclosed specific medical details about that case, the incident underscored the potential health challenges facing astronauts on long-duration missions.
The agency has yet to comment on Williams and Wilmore’s extended stay and health status but continues to monitor their condition. With increasing attention on the health implications of prolonged space missions, both NASA and its partners are studying ways to mitigate the risks faced by astronauts as they await new solutions for returning Williams and Wilmore safely to Earth.
