NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are now grappling with the possibility of a significantly extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), potentially lasting into 2025.

Originally scheduled to return after a shorter stay, the duo, who arrived at the ISS on June 5, 2024, aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, may now be required to remain in orbit due to unforeseen technical complications, as reported by multiple media outlets.

The prospect of an extended stay raises serious concerns about the long-term health and well-being of the astronauts. The ISS orbits approximately 400 kilometers above Earth, beyond the protection of our planet’s atmosphere and magnetic field. This exposes the crew to elevated levels of solar radiation, which can be harmful over prolonged periods.

According to the European Space Agency, certain areas of the station’s orbit experience radiation levels more than 30 times higher than on Earth, a concern highlighted in a recent CNBC-TV18 report.

Extended exposure to such radiation can lead to a variety of health risks, including an increased likelihood of cancer, tissue damage, and complications with the nervous system. NASA data reveals that sunita williams salary radiation levels on the ISS can range from 50 to 20,000 milli-sieverts—equivalent to receiving between 150 and 6,000 chest X-rays.

Prolonged exposure to microgravity can result in substantial bone and muscle deterioration. NASA has documented that astronauts may lose approximately 1 percent of their bone mass each month, particularly in critical areas such as the lower spine, hips, and femur. This loss of bone density, along with muscle atrophy, can pose serious challenges for the astronauts upon their return to Earth, potentially affecting their mobility and overall health.

In response to these challenges, NASA is actively exploring alternative options to ensure the safe return of Williams and Wilmore. Steve Stich, Manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, noted that preparations are underway with SpaceX for a potential return via the Crew Dragon spacecraft. sunita williams net worth

“We have been working with SpaceX to ensure that they are ready to respond on Crew 9. returning Butch and Suni on Crew 9 if we need that,” Stich stated. However, the final decision on the astronauts’ return strategy remains pending.