Sunita Williams Suffers Bone Loss, Other Health Risks in Space? What We Know

Washington: As NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore continue to stay on the International Space Station (ISS), several media reports suggest significant health risks that Indian-origin astronaut might face due to her extended stay.

Williams and Butch Wilmore were originally set to return on June 14 but their mission was later extended to June 26, with possible potential for further delays.

According to media reports, Williams is already facing several significant health challenges because of prolonged exposure to microgravity, which causes rapid bone density loss. This happens because, in microgravity, bones do not bear the weight, leading to a loss of density similar to osteoporosis.

Though astronauts are trained in rigorous exercise regimes designed to counteract these effects, "bone loss remains to be an inevitable consequence of prolonged space missions."

The extended stay exacerbates these issues, increasing possible risks of fractures, the report added.

Other than this, microgravity presents several other challenges such as fluid redistribution, which causes face puffiness and a decrease in fluid volumes in the legs. It also leads to complicating blood pressure upon returning to Earth.

The microgravity also impacts one's urinary system, by increasing the risk of kidney stones due to elevated calcium levels in urine.

Furthermore, hormonal changes and shifts in gut microbiota also complicate nutrient absorption and overall health. This includes radiation sickness and increased risk of cancer.

This comes as a concern for Williams regarding her return to the Earth.

However, Williams later in her address exuded her confidence saying that "this spacecraft will bring her back home."

In her address to Earth from Space she said, "We still had a lot of checks for Starliner and all went really well. One of them was practising for a safe haven to ensure that we had all the emergency equipment to get into our spacecraft and use it."

"We are having a great time. It feels good to be home."

"This spacecraft will bring us home, no problem," she added.