As everyone's praying for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's safe return, there is a growing concern about their health as it's been more than two months the astronauts have been stranded in space. The 58 year old and her peer are expected to be brought back using SpaceX ’s Crew Dragon. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon mission is slated for September 2024 and it is expected to reach Earth in February 2025.
Prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation are likely to affect the health of the astronaut duo. As per reports, Williams is experiencing eyesight problems in the International Space Station. The duo had undergone few tests recently.
"NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, Commander and Pilot for Boeing’s Crew Flight Test, tested the use of an ultrasound device with software guidance instead of remote guidance from doctors on the ground. The duo conducted bladder and kidney ultrasound scans to demonstrate autonomous medical procedures in space and inform future crewed missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond," NASA has said. Eyesight issues due to microgravity Reportedly, Sunita Williams is experiencing Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) a condition observed in astronauts that affects the eyes and brain during and after extended space missions.
It is characterized by changes in vision, increased intracranial pressure, and structural changes in the eyes. The condition is a significant concern for astronauts as they spend more time in microgravity en.