Approximately 1.4 billion Indians are uniting in hope and prayer for the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who is of Indian origin, and her colleague Butch Wilmore. The two astronauts, who have spent an astonishing 285 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), are en route back to Earth after their extended mission.
Williams and Wilmore became the first astronauts to journey aboard Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft in June of last year. Originally planned as an eight-day mission, their stay in space extended to an unexpected 285 days due to various delays. Their return journey commenced Tuesday morning aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, with the duo expected to land safely on Earth on Wednesday morning.
Former ISRO scientist Guru Prasad highlighted the critical risks involved in such missions while expressing optimism about the astronauts’ safe return. He emphasized the careful measures taken by space engineers to ensure the safety of procedures. Reflecting on decades of progress in spaceflight since Yuri Gagarin’s historic journey in 1961, Prasad noted the growing confidence in astronaut safety, grounded in extensive experience and technological advancements.
Prasad also spoke about the challenges astronauts face due to weightlessness in space. He remarked that while life aboard the ISS is demanding, astronauts undergo rigorous training to endure the harsh conditions. However, prolonged space missions can lead to significant health risks, including calcium loss that weakens bones, muscle atrophy, and impacts on the heart, immune system, gut, eyes, and even mental health. Astronauts also tend to grow slightly taller as their spines straighten in the absence of gravity.
Prerna Chandra, a project manager at Nehru Planetarium, elaborated on the health concerns astronauts face upon returning to Earth after extended periods in microgravity. She emphasized the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation process to aid in their recovery from the nine-month mission. Despite the challenges, both experts acknowledged the resilience and training that enable astronauts to overcome such obstacles. The successful return of over 500 individuals from space in the past few decades stands as a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability.
Williams and Wilmore’s historic mission and their imminent return mark another milestone in humanity’s exploration of space, capturing the attention and heartfelt support of millions around the world.
