On March 14, a mission initially planned for just over a week concluded after an unexpected nine-month duration.
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, selected for Boeing's Starliner's inaugural crewed test flight, were to remain at the International Space Station (ISS) for only ten days. However, NASA identified helium leaks and propulsion system issues, prompting the agency to return the spacecraft empty and delay the astronauts' return until a subsequent mission.
As reported by Yahoo News, the extended stay in space is not merely an inconvenience akin to an airport delay. Space travel poses significant health risks, with potential long-term effects on astronauts' bodies. Former NASA astronaut Dr. Sandy Magnus once likened the experience of launching into space to having a "70-pound gorilla sitting on your chest," due to the intense g-forces.
Yet, the absence of gravity in orbit introduces further challenges, including deteriorating eyesight, genetic alterations, and skin rashes. Dr. Afshin Beheshti from the University of Pittsburgh noted, "In general, the environment in space causes an accelerated model for disease... Everything is kind of sped up in space because of that environment."
Williams and Wilmore, now among a select group of astronauts who have spent over 200 days in space, face a challenging recovery. "When we get back, even to lift a pencil we will feel the weight," Wilmore remarked in a CNN interview. The lack of gravity leads to bone density loss, with astronauts losing about 1% of bone density per month. Despite daily exercise, they will likely experience significant bone density reduction upon return. NASA's Lead Flight Surgeon Dr. Stevan Gilmore explained that astronauts work closely with trainers for a 45-day recovery program to regain their pre-flight health.
Space travel also exposes astronauts to heightened radiation levels, equivalent to a year's worth of Earth exposure per week in space. This radiation can affect cellular functions, including mitochondrial activity, which is crucial for energy production. Dr. Chris Mason's research at Weill Cornell Medicine found that spaceflight activates genes related to DNA repair and immune response, although most changes revert to normal shortly after returning to Earth.
Efforts to mitigate these risks are ongoing, with researchers exploring artificial hibernation and small molecules to enhance radiation resistance. As commercial space travel expands, understanding and addressing these challenges remain critical.
Despite the physical toll, Williams and Wilmore's dedication to their mission is evident. Reflecting on their time in space, Williams expressed, "I think both of us will be a little bit sad when that feeling of space leaves us after about 24 hours."
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