Astronaut Sunita Williams, accompanied by Barry Wilmore, is currently stuck aboard the International Space Station due to a technical issue with their transport spacecraft. While they are safe and well on the ISS, their return trip is currently on hold, posing potential health risks. Three experts from leading hospitals explain the impact of microgravity on the body and the risks which include fluid imbalance, kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, and other sensory and neurological issues. They also suggest strategies to mitigate these risks.
Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore: Stranded in Space Due to Spacecraft Issue
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are currently stuck aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to a technical issue with their transport spacecraft, the SpaceX Crew Dragon. The issue, which involves a coolant leak in the spacecraft's propulsion system, has prevented the astronauts from returning to Earth as scheduled.
Background:
Sunita Williams is an experienced astronaut who has spent over 322 days in space, including a six-month stay on the ISS in 2012. Barry Wilmore is also an experienced astronaut who has performed three spacewalks and served as commander of the ISS Expedition 41.
The astronauts were scheduled to return to Earth on July 30, 2023, but their return has been postponed indefinitely until the SpaceX Crew Dragon can be repaired. The issue is not considered life-threatening, but it does pose potential health risks to the astronauts.
Health Risks of Microgravity:
Prolonged exposure to microgravity can have several negative effects on the human body, including:
Mitigation Strategies:
To mitigate the risks of microgravity, astronauts on the ISS follow strict exercise, nutrition, and medical protocols, including:
Top 5 FAQs Related to this Topic:
Q1: When are Williams and Wilmore expected to return to Earth? A1: The return date for Williams and Wilmore is currently unknown, pending the repair of the SpaceX Crew Dragon.
Q2: Are the astronauts in danger? A2: The issue with the Crew Dragon is not considered life-threatening, but it does pose potential health risks to the astronauts due to prolonged exposure to microgravity.
Q3: What is being done to repair the Crew Dragon? A3: SpaceX is working to determine the root cause of the coolant leak and develop a repair plan.
Q4: Has this type of issue happened before? A4: There have been previous incidents of technical issues with spacecraft during astronaut missions, but the specific nature of this issue is unique to the Crew Dragon.
Q5: What are the long-term health effects of extended space travel? A5: The long-term health effects of extended space travel are still being studied, but research suggests that astronauts may experience increased risk of cardiovascular disease, bone loss, and certain types of cancer.
The Supreme Court will be hearing a petition today regarding the normalisation of marks, answer keys, and results for NEET PG 2024. Students have raised concerns about the transparency of the selection process, while the National Board of Examinations for Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has cited the difficulty of generating new questions as the reason for not releasing answer keys. With experts warning of a potential 'tripledemic' this winter in the UK and India, the transparency of entrance exams becomes even more crucial in ensuring the selection of qualified candidates for medical courses.
After the recent partial lunar eclipse, astronomy enthusiasts are in for another treat - a rare annular solar eclipse, also known as the "ring of fire" eclipse. This astronomical event will take place on October 2 as India commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. The eclipse will be visible over southern Chile and Argentina, with the Moon appearing smaller than the Sun and creating a distinctive "ring of fire" effect in the sky.
A new celestial event, a "ring of fire" annular solar eclipse, will be visible from South America and parts of Hawaii and the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans on October 2, 2024. This phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, creating a ring-shaped silhouette of sunlight. Skywatchers are advised to use proper eye protection to view the eclipse safely.
Following the recent Total Solar Eclipse, ISRO and ESA are partnering to launch Proba-3 spacecraft, which will use precision formation flying to artificially create solar eclipses in space. This innovative mission will allow for closer study of the Sun's mysterious corona and provide valuable insights into space weather. With cutting-edge technologies and precise coordination, Proba-3 is set to launch via the PSLV from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Once in orbit, the spacecraft will autonomously perform formation flying, enabling six hours of observation per orbit and bridging the observational gap between the low and high corona.
Get all the latest science news, opinions, and analysis delivered straight to your inbox every weekday with Nature's daily newsletter. Stay up to date on the newest developments in various fields of science, from biology to technology, and never miss a beat with this essential round-up. Plus, with both online and print options, Nature's newsletter provides convenient access for all readers. Don't fall behind on the latest advancements in the scientific world – sign up for Nature's daily newsletter today.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captures a stunning, high-resolution image of the spiral galaxy IC 1954, located 45 million light-years away. With the help of other telescopes, this image provides crucial information about the process of star formation and the evolution of galaxies. The data from different wavelengths reveals the active regions where stars are being born and provides a foundation for ongoing research into galactic evolution and the forces shaping the universe.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug, Cobenfy, for schizophrenia that is said to have fewer side effects than current medications. This has been a major development for patients like Tiffany who have struggled with severe side effects from traditional antipsychotic drugs. Tiffany shares her personal experience and how this new medication gives her hope for a better quality of life.
As Hurricane Helene bears down on the Gulf Coast, Upstate South Carolina braces for its potential impact. In the past, the Upstate has seen its fair share of hurricane-related damage, including from storms like Fred, Beryl, and Frances. These hurricanes caused various issues, such as tornadoes, flash flooding, and extensive rainfall, resulting in millions of dollars worth of damages. With Hurricane Helene's expected landfall, it's important to remember the potential effects of hurricanes on our local communities and the need for preparedness.
A magnitude 3.6 earthquake struck the northeastern state of Assam, leaving residents in its capital city of Guwahati in a state of panic. Despite the strong tremors and shallow depth of 23 km, no casualties or property damage have been reported. This is the second earthquake to hit the Northeastern states today, with Nagaland and Mizoram experiencing mild tremors earlier. The high seismic activity in this region is due to its location in a seismically active zone, with 11% of the country falling in the most active zone, while Guwahati falls in the relatively less affected zone.
While Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine continues to develop, forecasters are warning residents along the northern and eastern Gulf Coast to start preparing for a possible hurricane. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the storm with the help of the Hurricane Hunters. Although it is too early for specific predictions, residents are advised to prepare for potential storm surge, heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous conditions. The National Weather Service Tallahassee states that the next named storm, Helene, may arrive on Thursday or Friday. Spaghetti models and top-performing models are being used to make accurate forecasts.