Produced by: Manoj Kumar
NASA reassures the public that astronaut Sunita Williams is “safe and healthy” amid concerns over her appearance, following months aboard the ISS. (Source: NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell)
NASA remains tight-lipped about four Crew-8 astronauts hospitalized last month after their ISS return. Details about their conditions or the reasons for hospitalization are undisclosed, citing privacy.
A recent photo of Sunita Williams sparked health concerns. Dr. Vinay Gupta suggests her “sunken” cheeks could indicate weight loss, possibly from a calorie deficit due to prolonged space exposure.
Four Crew-8 astronauts were briefly hospitalized after a 232-day ISS mission. While three were discharged the same day, one stayed overnight, NASA said, without revealing further specifics.
Long-duration space missions, like the ISS stay, are known to cause weight loss, muscle loss, and bone density reduction in astronauts, as studies reveal. Radiation exposure further complicates health outcomes.
Extended ISS missions expose astronauts to high radiation, increasing vulnerability to infections, kidney stones, and vision issues, impacting overall well-being.
Williams and Barry Wilmore have spent six months aboard the ISS, with plans to return by February 2025 via SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission. Their extended stay highlights the stresses of prolonged space travel.
Some speculate Crew-8’s health issues may relate to their descent, despite NASA’s claim of a “safe splashdown.” The fact that all four astronauts received medical attention fuels further questions.
Most ISS astronauts experience a 5% bodyweight reduction over four to six months, notes the Lunar and Planetary Institute. Dr. Gupta attributes Williams’ appearance to the “natural stresses” of ISS life.