Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, has been on the ISS since June 2024. Initially intended as an eight-day mission, their stay extended to over 150 days due to issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which has taken a toll on her physical appearance.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity impacts muscle and bone density, as the body no longer experiences Earth’s gravitational pull. Astronauts like Williams experience muscle atrophy and bone loss despite daily exercise routines aimed at counteracting these effects.
Astronauts in space need to consume between 3,500-4,000 calories daily to maintain body weight and energy. Reports suggest that Williams may not have consistently met this intake, resulting in visible weight loss.
In microgravity, bodily fluids shift upwards, leading to facial puffiness or a gaunt appearance in other parts of the body. This fluid redistribution may have contributed to Williams’ recent appearance with slightly sunken cheeks.
Williams adheres to NASA’s rigorous exercise protocols, working out for around 2.5 hours daily. However, despite this regimen, some level of physical change is inevitable, particularly over extended missions.
Extended stays in confined environments like the ISS bring psychological and physical challenges. These combined stresses may also contribute to the changes observed in Williams’ recent photos.
NASA has responded to public concerns, assuring that Williams and other astronauts undergo regular health evaluations and are in “good health” according to routine monitoring by flight surgeons.
Williams’ appearance has sparked discussions about the physical demands of prolonged space missions. As space exploration pushes further, this case highlights the importance of managing astronauts’ health and well-being on extended journeys, such as those planned for Mars.