Sunita's Space War: Life and Health Risks

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NASA's Sunita Williams, along with Barry "Butch" Wilmore, is set for an extended ISS mission until 2025, due to Boeing Starliner's technical malfunction, posing significant challenges.

1

Health Risks of Prolonged Space Mission

Prolonged ISS missions pose significant risks for Sunita Williams, including bone density loss, vision problems, muscle atrophy, and increased exposure to harmful cosmic radiation.

2

Bone Density Loss in Microgravity

In microgravity, Sunita Williams may experience bone loss 12 times faster than severe osteoporosis on Earth, increasing her risk of fractures and other serious bone issues.

3

Muscle Atrophy and Cardiovascular Changes

Sunita Williams could lose up to 50% of her muscle mass and experience heart shape and function alterations due to prolonged microgravity exposure during her extended mission.

4

Vision and Cognitive Issues

Sunita Williams may suffer from vision problems due to changes in intracranial pressure, with potential cognitive issues arising from the extended time in the microgravity environment.

5

Radiation Exposure and Cancer Risk

Daily exposure to cosmic radiation on the ISS significantly increases Sunita Williams' risk of cancer, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the Starliner issues for her safe return.

6

Kidney Stones and Other Medical Concerns

Microgravity increases the risk of kidney stones for Sunita Williams, among other medical concerns that require continuous monitoring during her extended stay on the ISS.