Stranded NASA astronauts get major update after scientist made concerning admission about effects of space
Earlier this week, Sunita Williams - one of the two astronauts currently stranded in the International Space Station (ISS) - revealed that the microgravity in the ship has left her unable to remember what it's like to walk.
After her and Barry Wilmore's eight-day mission ended up being an extended stay, NASA have been working on a rescue mission, and it has been reported that the space agency has provided a vital update.
What happened to Williams and Wilmore?
On 5 June 2024, test pilots and retired navy captains Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore docked into the ISS for a mission that was only scheduled to last eight days.
Little did they know, however, that technical issues in the spacecraft - including fuel leaks, helium leaks, five dead manoeuvring thrusters and a broken propellant valve, as per the BBC - would keep them in space for 246 days, and counting.
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NASA were subsequently forced to delay a number of return missions, and as such, last year, they reached out to Elon Musk's space exploration firm SpaceX for assistance.
Though 59-year-old Williams and 62-year-old Wilmore have received two deliveries of supplies of clothes, food, water and oxygen recently - with NASA revealing in December that the package also included 'special items for the crew to celebrate the holidays' - there have been concerns over the pair's wellbeing during their stay.
Health concerns
Speaking via video link at a press conference on Friday (31 Jan), the astronauts discussed the risk of a loss of bone density caused by microgravity on board the ISS.
As such, they've been forced to conduct two or more of exercise every single day to avoid the condition.
Wilmore explained: "Your joints don't hurt, which is quite nice."
Williams, meanwhile, revealed during a call with Needham High School in Massachusetts on Monday (3 February), that life without gravity meant that she'd lost the ability to carry out several basic tasks - including walking.
"I've been up here long enough, right now I've been trying to remember what it's like to walk," she admitted. "I haven't walked. I haven't sat down. I haven't laid down."
It isn't just potential bone density which has sparked concern, however, with many believing the pair have began appearing thinner in recent months and discussing the risk of them potentially running out of rations - though Williams was quick to address the concerns.
Speaking at the New England Sports Network Clubhouse in November, Williams said: "There’s a lot of changes that go on up here.
"But it’s funny, I think there’s some rumours around out there that I’m losing weight and stuff. I’m actually right at the same amount."
NASA themselves also shut down the concern about the rations, saying: "The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen."
They also said the station was regularly receiving cargo with updated supplies.
NASA's latest 'update'
According to the Mail, NASA is bringing forward SpaceX's future rescue mission, with Williams and Wilmore scheduled to be home around March 19.
This is two weeks earlier that the initial estimated return - early April. By this new date, however, the pair would have remained in space for a staggering 286 days.
Citing a report from Ars Technica, NASA and SpaceX are supposedly working to resolve the issue with C213 Dragon, which was initially scheduled to launch in February, but was delayed due to what is believed to be battery problems.
According to the source, SpaceX's Endurance ship will be reused to swap out the crew and allow the two to hitch a ride back.
Ars Technica's report also alleges that political pressure has risen in the US following Donald Trump's return to office and public discussion of the situation on social media.
Donald Trump's response
Donald Trump - the recently sworn-in president of the US - called on Musk last week to bring Williams and Wilmore back down to Earth - simultaneously taking a swipe at his White House predecessor, Joe Biden.
"I have just asked Elon Musk and @SpaceX to ‘go get’ the 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden administration," the 78-year-old wrote on Truth Social on 28 Jan.
"They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!"
Musk subsequently accepted Trump's challenge.
"The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so. Terrible that the Biden administration left them there so long," the Tesla boss wrote on X.
Topics: US News, News, Nasa, Space, Technology
Rhianna Benson