Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, originally set for a short mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, face a prolonged stay on the International Space Station (ISS) until early 2025 due to technical delays. This situation raises concerns about the crew’s health and safety during their extended time in space.
Experts highlight that the risks of space travel go beyond the well-known dangers of weightlessness and radiation. According to a report by Indian Express, one key concern is the possibility of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation
Space’s extreme vacuum and lack of atmospheric pressure make life support critical for astronauts. Oxygen supply systems ensure brain function and survival. However, any failure in these systems could lead to serious health consequences, including oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
Dr. Shailesh Jha, a psychiatrist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, points out that the space environment causes fluid shifts toward the upper body, potentially increasing intracranial pressure. This can result in headaches, visual issues, and pressure on the brain, raising concerns about long-term neurological health during extended missions.
Prolonged exposure to space radiation can damage DNA and heighten the risk of developing cancer or neurological conditions. NASA closely monitors radiation levels, but Williams’ extended mission increases concerns about the cumulative impact of radiation on cognitive and brain health.
Oxygen is vital for brain activity, and even short periods of oxygen deprivation can cause irreversible brain damage, according to Dr. Kumar. Hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, can impair cognitive function, leading to confusion, dizziness, and, in severe cases, unconsciousness or permanent damage.
Hypoxia’s effects may be more severe in a microgravity environment, as space conditions can disrupt blood flow and respiration. Additionally, radiation exposure could worsen neurological risks, compounding the dangers astronauts face during extended missions.
Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar warns that extended; unplanned missions could lead to mental health challenges like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Prolonged isolation from Earth, confined living spaces, and physical fatigue all contribute to emotional distress, increasing the psychological toll on astronauts.