I am really worried about Sunita Williams

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Photographs of Sunita Williams, taken on September 24, show her to be in poor shape. She looks noticeably gaunt, with "sunken" cheeks and her facial structure looks pronounced and emaciated. It is cler that Sunita has lost a considerable amount of weight suggesting significant physical deterioration. Images of Sunita taken in October reveal an even thinner frame. What makes this all the more worrying is that Sunita will not be returning to earth for some more months.

Sunita and Barry Wilmore went to the International Space Station for a 10-day mission on June 5, 2024. However, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that was intended to return them to Earth, was deemed unsafe for use and their stay on the ISS had to be extended. Barry and Sunita have now been on the ISS for over six months. Their return is now scheduled for February 2025, when they will be aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 Dragon capsule.

NASA has publicly stated that Williams is in 'good health'. It is unclear if NASA has pressed the panic button in private. I hope it has. Maintaining the necessary high-calorie intake required for astronauts in space in always a challenge. In this instance, the trip happens to be an unplanned one. Apparently, Williams, who weighed around 63 kilograms when she left for ISS, has struggled to meet the daily 3,500 to 4,000-calorie intake required to counterbalance the high physical demands of space life. Sunita’s challenge is intensified by the two-plus hours of daily exercise needed to preserve muscle and bone mass in a weightless environment, which expends extra calories.

For me, right now, February 2025 seems to be really, really far away!

Sunita, you are my hero. My prayers and wishes for you! Come back safely, and soon!



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