NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has recently addressed speculation about her health condition aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and dismissed recent claims made by media outlets about her well-being. In response to reports that she was looking “severe” due to the long stay on the ISS, Williams clarified her position during a video interview on November 12, explaining that she would be happy to return to orbit. His weight has remained unchanged since then.
Regular exercise and physical conditioning
Williams, who commands Expedition 72 on the ISS, responded publicly to health concerns by indicating that any changes in her physical appearance were the result of rigorous exercise routines rather than declining health. Like all astronauts on extended missions, she is following an intense workout designed to counteract the loss of muscle and bone density associated with prolonged microgravity exposure. Williams said her routine includes running on a treadmill, riding an exercise bike and lifting weights. It is a form of exercise that has led to increased muscle mass, especially in her thighs and buttocks, while her overall weight remains stable.
NASA statement on crew health
NASA previously denied these reports, insisting that Williams and his fellow crew members, including NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, are in good health. Williams and Wilmore, who arrived at the ISS on June 6 aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule, were initially scheduled for a ten-day mission under the Crew Flight Test program. Technical problems with Starliner’s thrusters led NASA to extend their stay on the ISS until early 2025, when they are expected to return with astronauts from SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission.
Current ISS Crew Status
The current ISS team, led by Williams, includes three NASA astronauts and three Russian astronauts, working collaboratively despite recent media scrutiny. Williams assured the audience that their health and morale remain strong as the crew performs essential research and maintenance work on the orbiting laboratory, showing NASA’s confidence in their well-being during extended missions.
