Sunita Williams Latest News: NASA planning to bring them back using a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. This prolonged stay has raised concerns about the long-term health effects of space travel on their bodies.
Sunita Williams Latest News: Stuck in space for over 9 months, NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore, are set to return to the Earth this March. A space mission that was initially designed for a short 7-days, got extended to infinity after their spacecraft developed serious technical glitches upon reaching the International Space Station (ISS). According to the latest updates, NASA astronauts are expected to re-enter the Earth’s gravity by mid-March this year.
Space travel exposes astronauts to unique and extreme conditions, including microgravity, radiation, and psychological stress, all of which can have lasting effects on the human body. But how serious are these risks? Let’s explore what experts have to say.
Sunita Williams’ Return From Space: Impact of Prolonged Exposure to Space Radiation
While Williams’ space mission has given her many joyous moments and memories from above the Earth, the extended stay of the NASA astronaut at the ISS has also exposed her to some serious health challenges, which we will discuss today.
One of the most significant health risks that experts have warned NASA astronaut Sunita Williams may face is harmful space radiation exposure. Unlike Earth, which has a protective atmosphere and magnetic field to protect the human body from harmful cosmic and solar radiation, space comprises a much harsher environment, especially for the human body (when exposed to it for a prolonged period).
Can Radiation Exposure in Space Cause Cancer?
Radiation exposure is a well-known carcinogenic agent — that increases cancer risk. Aerospace astronauts who stay at the ISS and take part in long-duration missions are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The highly harmful cosmic rays and solar radiation available in space not only damages DNA but also leads to severe mutations that may trigger cancer. NASA estimates that astronauts on the ISS receive about 20 times more radiation than people on Earth. Over time, cumulative exposure can elevate the risk of cancers such as leukemia and solid tumors.
Experts suggest that Sunita Williams’ prolonged exposure to this radiation could increase her lifetime cancer risk. However, NASA carefully monitors astronauts’ radiation exposure and limits their cumulative dosage over their careers to minimize these risks.
Effects of Microgravity on the Brain – Another major concern for astronauts spending extended periods in space is the effect of microgravity on the brain. The absence of gravity causes bodily fluids to shift upward toward the head, leading to increased intracranial pressure. This phenomenon can result in visual changes, headaches, and potential long-term brain structure alterations.
Does Prolonged Space Travel Cause Brain Damage?
Studies on astronauts who have spent months aboard the ISS have revealed changes in brain volume and structure. The condition, known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), involves swelling in the optic nerves and changes in brain morphology due to prolonged exposure to microgravity.
Furthermore, researchers have observed reductions in white matter, which is responsible for communication between different parts of the brain. This can lead to cognitive impairments, memory issues, and difficulties in processing information. Some astronauts also experience vestibular disturbances, which affect balance and spatial orientation.
While Sunita Williams is an experienced astronaut who has previously spent over 322 days in space, her extended exposure on the ISS could increase her risk of long-term neurological effects. However, it’s important to note that most astronauts recover from these changes upon returning to Earth, though long-term studies are still ongoing.
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