Credit: @iss/Instagram
Astronauts Stuck In Space For 9 Months Are Finally Going Home But There’s One Major Problem
The astronauts stranded in space are set to return to Earth, but there’s one major problem.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for over nine months – far longer than their planned eight-day mission.
Their return to Earth has been delayed multiple times due to ongoing technical issues with their spacecraft, Boeing’s Starliner.
Now, there’s another major problem with their return.
The astronauts launched on June 5, 2024, aboard the Starliner, a spacecraft that was supposed to demonstrate Boeing’s ability to carry humans safely to and from the ISS.
However, the mission was plagued with issues from the start.
Helium leaks and thruster malfunctions made it unsafe for the astronauts to return in the same vehicle, forcing NASA to delay their trip back.
Initially, they were scheduled to return in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon, but further delays have pushed their return to after the Crew-10 mission arrives at the ISS in late March.
Their extended stay means Williams and Wilmore could become part of the elite group of NASA astronauts who have spent more than 300 days in space – something only five astronauts have done before.
As they prepare to come home in late March, doctors are raising serious concerns about their health, both physical and mental.
While long-duration space missions are not uncommon, the unexpected nature of their prolonged stay has added significant stress.
Dr. Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist, has warned that the repeated delays and uncertainty could take a serious psychological toll, per Mail Online.
She explains that while astronauts are trained to handle stress, the constant cycle of being told they are coming home only to have the date pushed back: “plays havoc on their psyche, which then plays havoc on their body.”
Physically, the challenges of extended weightlessness are severe. Dr. John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer, warns that by the time Williams and Wilmore land, they will likely be at ‘extreme risk of fragility fracture’ due to severe bone density loss.
“They probably will not be able to walk under their own power. They will probably leave the space vehicle on a stretcher, and it will take them months to recondition their bodies,” he said.
Williams, in particular, has sparked concerns after recent images showed her looking noticeably thinner, raising fears of malnourishment.
NASA has denied these claims, insisting that the astronauts remain in good health.
Despite exercising for two hours a day to slow muscle loss, space conditions still lead to deterioration.
Without gravity, the body quickly loses both muscle mass and bone density, increasing the risk of fractures, organ failure, and cardiovascular issues, Sky News reports.
NASA research has shown that even daily workouts aren’t enough to prevent the stiffening of arteries, which could raise the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and Air Force veteran, believes the astronauts’ training has prepared them for this situation but acknowledges the difference between simulations and real-life endurance.
“I don’t think anything we’re talking about here is life-threatening,” he said, though he notes that their recovery will be long and difficult.
NASA has repeatedly assured the public that Williams and Wilmore are being closely monitored.
The agency’s chief health officer, Dr. James Polk, stated: “All NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station, including Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are in good health. It’s unfortunate that rumors persist otherwise.”
However, as their return continues to be delayed, concerns are growing about the long-term impact of their unexpected stay in space.
When Williams and Wilmore finally land, they will undergo extensive medical evaluations and rehabilitation.
Until then, they must continue their mission aboard the ISS, waiting for the next available ride home.
Related Article: The Moon Is Drifting Away From Earth And It’s Having A Major Impact On Time
Related Article: Astronaut Who Spent 178 Days In Space Shares The Big ‘Lie’ He Realized After Seeing Earth
Want more stuff like this?
Get the best viral stories straight into your inbox!
