New Desk
WASHINGTON: NASA has addressed recent media claims concerning astronaut Sunita Williams’ health aboard the International Space Station (ISS), assuring the public that she is in good health and undergoing regular medical evaluations. The clarification comes after tabloid reports, such as those from The Daily Mail and The New York Post, raised concerns about her condition following an image taken on September 24, which showed her appearing gaunt.
In a statement on November 7, NASA confirmed that there are no health concerns regarding Williams or any other astronaut on the ISS. “Williams is in good health,” NASA said, emphasizing that all astronauts undergo routine health assessments and are closely monitored by flight surgeons. Despite the health scare rumors, NASA acknowledged that Williams, who has been aboard the ISS since June, has experienced weight loss during her extended mission. This is not uncommon in space, where astronauts face challenges in maintaining weight due to factors such as reduced gravity and limited food options.
Williams’ mission, initially scheduled for eight days, has been extended due to technical difficulties with the Boeing Starliner, and she now remains in space alongside fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore. The two have spent more than 150 days aboard the ISS and are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX capsule. NASA has ramped up her nutritional support to address the weight loss, which can be exacerbated by the demands of long-duration space missions.
