Nasa astronaut Sunita Williams has directly addressed recent speculation about her health, reassuring the public that she is in good condition aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
In a video interview, the Space Station commander responded to concerns raised by media outlets such as The Daily Mail and The New York Post, which had suggested her health might be deteriorating based on recent photographs.
"I'm the same weight that I was when I got up here," Williams stated firmly, countering claims that she appeared "gaunt" in recent images.
She explained that her physical appearance has changed due to the rigorous exercise regimen astronauts follow to combat the effects of microgravity on muscle and bone density.
Williams detailed her daily workout routine, which includes riding an exercise bike, running on a treadmill, and weightlifting. These activities have led to noticeable changes in her physique.
"My thighs are a little bit bigger, my butt is a little bit bigger," she said, attributing these changes to her consistent weightlifting efforts.
The astronaut's extended stay on the ISS began on June 6, when she and fellow Nasa astronaut Butch Wilmore arrived on Boeing's Starliner capsule for what was initially planned as a 10-day mission.
Due to technical issues with Starliner, their stay was prolonged, with their return now scheduled for February 2025 alongside SpaceX's Crew-9 astronauts.
Williams currently commands Expedition 72 on the ISS, leading a diverse crew that includes American and Russian astronauts. Nasa officials have backed Williams' statements, confirming that all agency astronauts on the ISS are in good health.
This incident highlights the challenges of long-duration spaceflight and the importance of accurate reporting on astronaut health.
As space missions extend in length and complexity, maintaining astronaut well-being remains a top priority for Nasa and other space agencies.
