Astronaut Sunita Williams Is In "Good Health" Aboard, Says NASA (Image: NASA)

Despite recent speculation by tabloids and social media, astronaut Sunita Williams is in good health aboard the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA.

NASA officials have reassured that Williams, commander of the ISS’ Expedition 72, and other astronauts undergo routine medical evaluations and are monitored by dedicated flight surgeons. NASA also said that they supply plenty of food and essentials to support Williams and her fellow Wilmore until they wrap up this unprecedented long stay in orbit.

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Sunita Williams, the Indian-origin astronaut, sparked health concerns while on the International Space Station (ISS) following a picture posted by NASA on Wednesday surfaced online. However, NASA has dismissed these concerns, stating that Williams and other astronauts are in good health condition.

Experts warn that prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to health issues such as muscle loss, bone density loss, vision problems, and radiation exposure. Despite these concerns, NASA stated that astronauts follow a rigorous exercise regimen to mitigate these effects.

Sunita Williams’ extended stay on the ISS was initially planned for 8 days, but now it is stretching to 8 months due to technical issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.

Her return was delayed due to five thruster failures and helium leaks during its flight to the ISS. As a result, NASA decided to delay Starliner’s return to Earth until it was sure the craft could re-enter safely.

Williams and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore joined the ISS crew and are currently conducting scientific experiments and maintenance tasks, and they are expected to return to Earth in February 2025 aboard the SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft. As of now, Sunita Williams and Wilmore have spent more than 18 weeks on it.

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The mission, which was launched from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida’s Launch Complex 39A on March 5, featured a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket tossing the Dragon spacecraft, named Endeavour, into orbit.

This marked the eighth commercial crew rotation mission to the ISS. Astronauts Dominick, Barratt, Epps, and Grebenkin’s journey to the ISS was a scientific expedition that included over 200 experiments and technology demonstrations.