NASA has confirmed a change in the fitness routine of astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently on a mission at the International Space Station (ISS). This adjustment comes after their initial short-duration mission aboard the Boeing Starliner was extended by eight months due to technical difficulties.
The astronauts were originally scheduled to return to Earth after a brief stay in space, but technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft forced NASA to bring them back on a SpaceX craft, delaying their return until February 2025.
Dana Weigel, manager of the International Space Station, explained that the astronauts’ fitness routines have been adapted to account for the shift from a short-term mission to a long-term mission.
“It was a test flight, and with intention, we put astronauts through long-duration space station training a few years ago. They finished all the same training that the normal expedition crew would do… fully qualified in the complex area, to do spacewalks, robotics, etc… we had them well prepared to move into this role,” Weigel said.
She emphasized the differences in exercise regimens for short-duration and long-duration missions. “Exercise is optional for the very shortest duration missions, something like an eight-day mission. When we do long-duration… we switch them over to a standard long-duration mission. So, as they have been on board the ISS, later we have adjusted their routines and so on,” Weigel explained.
The astronauts are now following the same exercise routines as long-duration crew members, ensuring they maintain optimal physical condition for their extended stay in space. This includes a high degree of both cardiovascular work and resistance training.
“So they are doing the standard amount that we have all the crew members do at this point,” Weigel added.
The change in exercise routine was implemented gradually to ensure a smooth transition for the astronauts. They are now fully acclimated to the rigorous fitness program designed for long-duration missions.
This adjustment highlights the importance of adapting to changing mission parameters and ensuring astronaut well-being during extended space missions. The focus on fitness is critical for maintaining physical health and enabling astronauts to successfully complete their tasks in the challenging environment of space.
