Headline : Sunita Williams loses muscle mass and bone density in space: Know why this happens

Read more from the original article on here at www.healthshots.com.

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When astronauts take up missions into space, they expose themselves to an environment that is extremely different from Earth. Factors like microgravity, restricted space station quarters, isolation, and radiation exposure pose unique challenges to human health. Even though the secrets they unveil about space are worth knowing, even small missteps can lead to grave circumstances when it comes to the health of astronauts. Prolonged stays, just like the unexpected extension of Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore’s mission on the International Space Station (ISS), bring to the surface the health risks astronauts face.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, who joined NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions, is currently serving as the pilot of the Crew Flight Test mission aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. While it is her third mission aboard the International Space Station, she is reportedly experiencing loss of bone density and muscle mass, after being in space for over 50 days when the mission was initially set for 9 days.

Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are going through an extension of stay on the International Space Station due to unexpected delays. Launched on May 25, 2024, the spacecraft encountered a small helium leak that delayed its return journey. The Starliner’s return has been postponed twice, with no confirmation of the fresh dates yet. However, as per NASA, regular health checkups are being done and the crew members are ensuring they do their bit of physical activity up in space.

Microgravity also has effects on the musculoskeletal system. Our muscle support requires gravity, but astronauts experience faster muscle atrophy, especially in the legs and back. The effect gets compounded by drastic muscle loss, especially in weight-bearing bones like the spine and pelvis. There is also a loss in bone density due to a lack of mechanical stress, similar to osteoporosis.

Read more from the original article on here at www.healthshots.com.

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