NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who embarked on their journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, are now facing a significantly longer mission than initially planned. Due to technical complications, their stay in orbit could extend until 2025, transforming what was supposed to be a week-long mission into a potential eight-month endeavor.
The extended mission has raised concerns about the astronauts’ health and well-being, particularly due to the prolonged exposure to the harsh environment of space. The ISS, orbiting approximately 400 km above Earth, lies beyond our planet’s protective atmosphere and magnetic field, exposing astronauts to elevated levels of solar radiation. The European Space Agency has reported radiation levels more than 30 times higher than on Earth in certain areas of the station’s orbit, according to a CNBC-TV18 report. Prolonged exposure to space radiation can lead to various health risks, including an increased risk of cancer, tissue damage, and nervous system impairment.
NASA reports that radiation exposure on the ISS can range from 50 to 20,000 milli-sieverts, equivalent to between 150 and 6,000 chest X-rays. In addition to radiation concerns, the extended mission also means prolonged exposure to microgravity, which can lead to significant bone and muscle loss. NASA has reported that astronauts can lose approximately 1 per cent of their bone mass each month, particularly in critical areas like the lower vertebrae, hips, and femur.
Despite these challenges, the astronauts remain optimistic. During a press conference on July 10, 2024, Williams shared her experiences, saying, “I took some video of it and sent it down,” referring to her observations of a hurricane’s development from space. Commander Wilmore expressed confidence in their eventual return, emphasizing the team’s adaptability.
NASA is actively working on contingency plans. Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, stated, “We have been working with SpaceX to ensure that they are ready to respond on Crew 9… returning Butch and Suni on Crew 9 if we need that.” However, a final decision on the return strategy is still pending.
The astronauts’ families are adapting to the extended mission. Sunita Williams’ husband, Michael, told The Wall Street Journal, “Space was her happy place, even if she had to be there indefinitely.” Butch Wilmore’s wife, Deanna, commented, “We probably don’t expect him until February or March.” The situation highlights the complexities of space exploration and the sacrifices made by astronauts in pushing the boundaries of human achievement.
