2024-07-03 06:41:02
Health issues of Astronauts: Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams is stuck in space. Sunita left for the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. She was supposed to return from her mission in a few days, but due to a technical fault in the Starliner, her return is now being hindered.
According to NASA, there was a small leak of helium in the spacecraft launched on May 25, which delayed its journey. Starliner reached the ISS on June 6, but due to a malfunction in the spacecraft, the astronauts aboard will have to stay on the International Space Station for a few more days. Along with this, Sunita and her co-passenger Bush Wilmore also have the challenge of keeping themselves healthy. They may have to face many big problems.
Sunita Williams is stuck in space
These diseases can attack
A NASA research shows that astronauts go to space from Earth and if they stay there for a long time, it can have a bad effect on their health. Radiation is the biggest problem for astronauts going into space. Astronauts can face diseases like cancer and cataract due to radiation particles like galactic cosmic rays in space.
Bones become very weak
The lack of gravity in space also causes ‘fluid redistribution’ in the astronauts’ bodies, causing swelling in their faces and reduced fluid levels in their legs. These changes can affect heart function, which can cause Sunita Williams and her colleague Bush Wilmore to experience dizziness and fainting upon returning to Earth.
It also affects the muscles
The lack of gravity in space can also cause Sunita Williams and Bush Wilmore to experience a loss of muscle and bone density, a condition known as osteoporosis. Exercise routines on the ISS help reduce these effects, but the risk remains.
There is also a risk of kidney stones
Fluid redistribution due to high concentration of calcium in urine can increase the risk of kidney stones. Apart from this, due to zero gravity in space, astronauts can face problems like fluid shift, blood pressure, and bone loss. Astronauts’ hormone levels and immune system can also deteriorate, due to which the possibility of allergies increases.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot in any way be a substitute for any medicine or treatment. Always consult your doctor for more information.