'Losing weight too...': Sunita Williams brushes it off, but NASA's now ...
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Unplanned Stay
What started as a week-long mission for astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore has stretched to 160 days due to Boeing Starliner malfunctions, leaving NASA strategists scrambling for solutions.
Weight Woes
Williams’ weight loss caught NASA’s attention as shocking photos of her gaunt frame emerged. The agency, per NASA officials, initiated intensive health monitoring, noting an "unexpected" strain on her physical well-being.
Wilmore’s Watch
At 6 feet and 210 lbs, Wilmore’s mass seemed stable initially, but recent checks show he's losing weight too, though not as pronounced. A NASA insider emphasized they’re keeping close tabs on him.
The Space Shuffle
With zero-gravity shifts affecting body fluids, Williams dismissed her visibly thinner frame as an adaptation to space conditions, noting the "fluid evens out" across her body. The intrigue remains over just how much weight she's lost.
SpaceX to Rescue
A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule is prepped to bring them home, but not until February. In the meantime, NASA’s medics are focused on stabilizing both astronauts for the extended journey in zero gravity.
Boeing’s Reputation
Boeing’s Starliner malfunction left the astronauts stranded. Industry insiders suggest the tech giant is on high alert, with executives fearing repercussions if the astronauts’ health continues to decline.
HIPAA in Space
NASA’s internal tension grew as staff were warned about unauthorized health updates on the astronauts. A NASA employee dryly noted, “HIPAA laws apply to NASA too,” stressing confidentiality amid media speculation.
Public Reassurance
NASA released a statement assuring the public of the astronauts’ good health, highlighting routine medical evaluations and support from dedicated flight surgeons, though the photos of Williams raised eyebrows.
Recent Health Alarms
The weight loss concerns echo recent health incidents involving ISS astronauts. One crew member needed a hospital stay post-200 days in space, emphasizing that even short missions carry unpredictable physical costs.
