Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Originally an eight-day mission, Sunita Williams and astronaut Barry Wilmore are now experiencing a prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS) due to delays. The spacecraft’s return has been postponed from June 14 and June 26, with no confirmed date yet.
Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated that NASA is “taking our time and following our standard mission management team process.” The spacecraft, launched on May 25, encountered a small helium leak, delaying its journey. The Starliner arrived at the ISS on June 6.
Microgravity causes fluid redistribution in astronauts’ bodies, leading to facial puffiness, congestion, and decreased fluid volume in the legs. These changes can impact cardiovascular function, causing dizziness or fainting upon return to Earth.
Astronauts experience muscle atrophy and bone loss in microgravity. The lack of gravitational pull leads to decreased muscle mass and bone density, similar to osteoporosis. Exercise routines on the ISS help mitigate these effects, but some bone loss still occurs.
Fluid redistribution can increase the risk of kidney stones due to higher calcium concentration in urine. Altered metabolism affects nutrient absorption and utilization, with changes in hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiota composition potentially influencing long-term health.
The absence of gravity alters sensory input, affecting spatial orientation, balance, and eye-hand coordination. Some astronauts experience Space Motion Sickness (SMS) with symptoms like nausea and disorientation, which typically resolve as they acclimate.
Astronauts are exposed to higher levels of radiation in space, increasing the risk of DNA damage and cancer. Space agencies set mission limits to keep cumulative exposure within acceptable levels.
To address these health concerns, space agencies implement rigorous exercise regimes, nutritional monitoring, and medical oversight during and after missions. Advances in technology and biomedical research continue to improve understanding and mitigation of the physiological and psychological challenges of space travel.