It has been 8 months now, that NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore have been stranded in space. After a lot of speculation on delay on return from space, NASA is considering March 19 for bringing them back.
Both Williams and Willmore have been stranded on the ISS since June 2024, which was originally scheduled for an eight-day mission. But technical issues in the spacecraft extended their stay.
Their return to Earth is important not just for their health but also for the extensive experiments they conducted during their time in space. The extra space time is definitely going to be challenging for the astronauts as micorgravity is going to have its own effects. Read on the article to know why Sunita Williams is stuck in space?
Why Sunita Williams is stuck in space?
Sunita Williams was sent on a NASA mission, known as Boeing CST-100 Starliner, which is a key part of NASA’s initiative to commercialize human spaceflight.
Boeing Starliner was initially planned as a brief stay. Owing to some unforeseen technical issues, like helium leak occurred, which prevented the spacecraft from performing as planned. It became essential for NASA to delay the return. Now, NASA alongwith Elon Musk’s Spacex are making combined efforts to bring the astronauts back. March 19, 2025 is being considered for return.
Spaceflight-associated deconditioning: significant effects on the human body
Extended space travel can have significant effects on the human body due to the absence of gravity. There is 10 times more exposure to radiation than on earth.
- Astronauts can lose as much as 20% of their muscle mass after just two weeks in space. To counteract this, astronauts engage in regular strength training and resistance exercises to maintain muscle strength during their missions.
- Astronauts also get at a risk of developing conditions like osteoporosis, where bones become fragile and more prone to fractures.
- The isolation, confinement, and extended periods of time in space can affect an astronaut’s mental health. Stress, depression, and anxiety can arise due to the lack of social interaction, the monotony of life in space, and the pressure of performing high-stakes tasks. To counteract these effects, astronauts undergo regular exercise routines while in space, which include resistance training, aerobic exercises, and treadmill running. These are vital for maintaining bone and muscle health, as well as cardiovascular fitness during extended missions.
Sunita’s story of achievements
From Military Career to Nasa
Williams served as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Navy. She was also a test pilot and a lieutenant colonel. Her military experience helped her develop the physical and mental strength required for the challenges of space travel. She accumulated over 3,000 flight hours in more than 30 types of aircraft.
Williams is admired not only in the United States but also in India, where she is regarded as a national hero for her achievements in space.
Second woman to walk in space
Sunita Williams became the second woman to walk in space (after Kathryn Sullivan) and has conducted multiple spacewalks. She held the record for the most spacewalks by a female astronaut for a time.
Williams also holds the record for the longest spaceflight by a female astronaut, with 195 days, 15 hours, and 16 minutes spent in space.
In 2008, Sunita Williams was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to space exploration.
An inspiration for young astronauts
Sunita Williams is indeed an incredible inspiration for young aspiring astronauts! Her achievements in space, along with her resilience and dedication, not just make her a powerful role model but also her life and career encourage young people to dream big, work hard, and embrace challenges.
Despite a longer-than-expected stay in space, Sunita Williams and Barry Willmore have managed to stay positive and focused on their mission. It is a testament to their resilience. Their ability to stay optimistic has helped them ensure that they remain focused even in time of distress.
