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Ishita Roy

Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years: Health Challenges She Faced After Spending 600+ Days in Space

Sunita Williams on Raj Shamani podcast (Youtube Screengrab)

Photo shows sunken cheeks of Sunita Williams (credits: X)

Sunita L Williams has retired from NASA after 27 year of spacefaring career. The astronaut went on three long missions to the International Space Station (ISS), which meant she logged 608 days in space, with a record breaking nine spacewalks. She was also<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/sunita-williams-returning-to-earth-finally-what-health-concerns-loom-over-her-article-151274107" data-type="tilCustomLink"> stranded in ISS with Butch Wilmore</a>. The mission was supposed to be 8-day-long, however it extended up to nine months due to a Starliner spacecraft problem. During this stay, she faced certain health issues. Photos showed significant weight loss, with sunken cheekbones. 

Recently, Williams appeared on Raj Shamani podcast, where she talked about her experience of spending 286 days in space.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/law-on-assisted-dying-in-jersey-could-be-passed-soon-after-draft-approval-article-153491821" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Law on Assisted Dying in Jersey Could Be Passed Soon After Draft Approval</a> 

<h2>What Health Challenges <span rel="noindex">Sunita Williams</span> Faced In Space?</h2>

When Shamani asked her about her health challenges, she pointed out that it is when you land back on earth is when you feel the most uncomfortable. “Initially when you come back, you are not feeling very good. But then it goes away pretty good,” she said.

Shamani then asked how does she feel when she lands on earth. “For me it is nauseas. When we were landing in the water, everyone was focusing on the dolphins, but I was thinking if the capsule goes upside down, it is not going to be very good. The capsule was bobbing for a few seconds like a cork,” she said. 

She explains that when you are in the space, your neuro vestibular system, which is body’s internal balance and orientation system, located in the inner ear does not work. “When you are out in space, gravity and inner balance are not needed and when you come back, it is suddenly there.”

She said that she felt nauseas for 24 to 48 hours. Furthermore, she said that when she wears the spacesuit and pinches her head through that, it makes her a “little sick”.

While in space, she explains, “all the balance muscles that you use here on earth, you do not even realize are not in use. After landing, they suddenly have to be put to use, so they have to be recharged. For me, it takes about a month to get used to it.”

<h2>How Does The Space To Earth Transition Work?</h2>

“We also get trainers who examine our progress and how we are doing back on earth. It is actually pretty cool to see how your body works and to human yourself again or to earth yourself again.” 

Shamani asked if coming back to earth and adapting to gravity takes time. He asked, “do you feel like if you pick something and leave it, it won’t drop, rather it will flow?” “It happens, but you get back to gravity pretty quickly,” she said. 

<h2>What Are The Health Risks Of Staying In Space?</h2>

Space agencies like NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR) studied the effects of space on human body. In 2024, the journal Nature published over 40 studies focused on aerospace medicine and space biology. One such study, called TWINS compared astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS with his identical twin, Mark, who stayed on Earth.

The study highlighted a significant risk of prolonged space missions: radiation exposure.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/nasa-astronaut-sunita-williams-health-deteriorates-during-extended-mission-experts-raise-concerns-article-151070932" data-type="tilCustomLink">NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Health Deteriorates During Extended Mission: Experts Raise Concerns</a>

Radiation in space can damage DNA, increasing cancer risks and oxidative stress in the body. Bailey explained that space radiation exposure is a major concern for astronauts. Space agencies must find ways to protect astronauts during space travel and long-term stays on the Moon or Mars. They have set limits on the amount of radiation astronauts can be exposed to over their careers.

Another challenge is microgravity that causes bone density loss of 1-1.5% per month. When astronauts come down to Earth. They may struggle with physical activities like dancing due to weak bones and it can also affect vision. The fluids that shift to the head put pressure on the eyes. This can also lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which can permanently impact vision.

Other risks involve fluid redistribution that can lead to facial puffiness and decreased fluid volume in legs, disruption of cardiovascular functions, complicating blood pressure and even risks to the urinary systems. The risk of kidney stone too is high.

Nutrition deficiencies was another concern which was raised when photos of Williams revealed a significant weight loss. Her sunken cheekbones raised worries about her eating habits. There were also speculations of her being on a calorie-deficit diet. This meant that she ate less than her body required to sustain the high energy she needs for space travels.

In terms of physical activities, astronauts in microgravity must exercise for 2.5 hours daily. This helps them maintain muscle bone health. However, challenging environment could lead to weight loss.

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Sunita L Williams has retired from NASA after 27 year of spacefaring career. The astronaut went on three long missions to the International Space Station (ISS), which meant she logged 608 days in space, with a record breaking nine spacewalks. She was also stranded in ISS with Butch Wilmore. The mission was supposed to be 8-day-long, however it extended up to nine months due to a Starliner spacecraft problem. During this stay, she faced certain health issues. Photos showed significant weight loss, with sunken cheekbones. Recently, Williams appeared on Raj Shamani podcast, where she talked about her experience of spending 286 days in space.Also Read: Law on Assisted Dying in Jersey Could Be Passed Soon After Draft Approval What Health Challenges Sunita Williams Faced In Space?    When Shamani asked her about her health challenges, she pointed out that it is when you land back on earth is when you feel the most uncomfortable. “Initially when you come back, you are not feeling very good. But then it goes away pretty good,” she said.Shamani then asked how does she feel when she lands on earth. “For me it is nauseas. When we were landing in the water, everyone was focusing on the dolphins, but I was thinking if the capsule goes upside down, it is not going to be very good. The capsule was bobbing for a few seconds like a cork,” she said. She explains that when you are in the space, your neuro vestibular system, which is body’s internal balance and orientation system, located in the inner ear does not work. “When you are out in space, gravity and inner balance are not needed and when you come back, it is suddenly there.”She said that she felt nauseas for 24 to 48 hours. Furthermore, she said that when she wears the spacesuit and pinches her head through that, it makes her a “little sick”.While in space, she explains, “all the balance muscles that you use here on earth, you do not even realize are not in use. After landing, they suddenly have to be put to use, so they have to be recharged. For me, it takes about a month to get used to it.”How Does The Space To Earth Transition Work?“We also get trainers who examine our progress and how we are doing back on earth. It is actually pretty cool to see how your body works and to human yourself again or to earth yourself again.” Shamani asked if coming back to earth and adapting to gravity takes time. He asked, “do you feel like if you pick something and leave it, it won’t drop, rather it will flow?” “It happens, but you get back to gravity pretty quickly,” she said. What Are The Health Risks Of Staying In Space?    Space agencies like NASA and the German Space Agency (DLR) studied the effects of space on human body. In 2024, the journal Nature published over 40 studies focused on aerospace medicine and space biology. One such study, called TWINS compared astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year on the ISS with his identical twin, Mark, who stayed on Earth.The study highlighted a significant risk of prolonged space missions: radiation exposure.Read: NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams’ Health Deteriorates During Extended Mission: Experts Raise ConcernsRadiation in space can damage DNA, increasing cancer risks and oxidative stress in the body. Bailey explained that space radiation exposure is a major concern for astronauts. Space agencies must find ways to protect astronauts during space travel and long-term stays on the Moon or Mars. They have set limits on the amount of radiation astronauts can be exposed to over their careers.Another challenge is microgravity that causes bone density loss of 1-1.5% per month. When astronauts come down to Earth. They may struggle with physical activities like dancing due to weak bones and it can also affect vision. The fluids that shift to the head put pressure on the eyes. This can also lead to Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, which can permanently impact vision.Other risks involve fluid redistribution that can lead to facial puffiness and decreased fluid volume in legs, disruption of cardiovascular functions, complicating blood pressure and even risks to the urinary systems. The risk of kidney stone too is high.Nutrition deficiencies was another concern which was raised when photos of Williams revealed a significant weight loss. Her sunken cheekbones raised worries about her eating habits. There were also speculations of her being on a calorie-deficit diet. This meant that she ate less than her body required to sustain the high energy she needs for space travels.In terms of physical activities, astronauts in microgravity must exercise for 2.5 hours daily. This helps them maintain muscle bone health. However, challenging environment could lead to weight loss.

sunita williams retires after 27 years: health challenges she faced after spending 600+ days in space

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Sunita Williams Retires After 27 Years: Health Challenges She Faced After Spending 600+ Days in Space

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