NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, currently orbiting Earth aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, underwent a standard hearing test on Tuesday, the space agency announced in a press release. This routine checkup is part of the ongoing monitoring of astronaut health in the unique environment of space. Williams and her colleague, Butch Wilmore, alternated for the hearing test, a practice designed to assess the potential impact of microgravity on their auditory systems.
Astronauts in space undergo regular medical evaluations, including hearing tests, to understand how prolonged exposure to microgravity affects the human body. These tests are crucial for ensuring the well-being of astronauts during long-duration space missions. Earlier in August, Williams underwent a scan of her cornea, retina, and lens using standard medical imaging equipment. This procedure further emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health monitoring for astronauts in space.
The Starliner spacecraft, on which Williams and Wilmore launched on June 5, has faced numerous technical issues, including thruster anomalies, software problems, and helium leaks. These issues have delayed the crew’s return to Earth, significantly extending their stay in space. The mission, initially planned to be a short-duration flight, is now overlapping with the Expedition 71 mission at the International Space Station.
While NASA and Boeing prioritize bringing Williams and Wilmore back on the Starliner, the space agency is exploring alternative options in the event that the spacecraft is deemed unfit for the return journey. One such option involves transporting the astronauts on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft in 2025. However, NASA officials are still evaluating the root cause of the Starliner’s issues and have yet to set a definitive return date.
In the meantime, the Boeing Crew Flight Test crew continues to work alongside the Expedition 71 crew at the International Space Station, conducting various research studies. Meanwhile, NASA and Boeing teams are diligently analyzing data from ground and spacecraft testing to assess the Starliner’s propulsion system and determine the best course of action for the safe return of the astronauts. The Starliner saga highlights the challenges and complexities of human space exploration, underscoring the need for meticulous planning, ongoing monitoring, and adaptability in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
