Following the technical glitches, Boeing’s spacecraft has failed to bring back the two astronauts, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, to earth. NASA has announced that the spacecraft will return to earth without astronauts onboard. 

However, the astronauts will return from the International Space Station (ISS) via Space X in February 2025. The eight-day mission will now last approximately eight months. 

This decision will allow NASA and Boeing to conduct a thorough analysis of the spacecraft’s performance and issues during its journey back to earth and will ensure astronauts’ safety. 

NASA reassures astronauts safety 

As per Stive Stich, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program Manager, this ongoing flight test is offering valuable insights regarding the Starliner’s performance in space. This gathered data from the analysis of the spacecraft will be used by the team to enhance their spacecraft system and enable them to meet the safety standards of the astronauts for upcoming missions. 

However, despite the extended mission, NASA has reassured the proper supply of food and water on the ISS to be transferred within safe limits, and there is no immediate risk of the astronauts running out of essential supplies. . 

Sunita Williams is facing eyesight problems

Meanwhile, earlier it was reported that Sunita Williams is currently experiencing some eyesight problems while onboard the ISS. This condition is linked to an extended exposure to microgravity-causing Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). It is caused by the affected fluid distribution in the body, leading to visual disruptions such as blurred vision and changes in eye structure. 

What is Space Anemia? 

Additionally, research shows that the human body couldn’t adapt to their life in space, which is also evidence present in the human blood. 

Since humans have started to extend their stay in space, there is a loss of red blood cells observed among the astronauts. 

This phenomenon is called Space Anemia. It is characterized by a reduction of red blood cells and hemoglobin levels, causing unique challenges for astronauts who planned their extended stay beyond earth. 

A 2022 study shows that during a six-month space mission flight, the human body destroys more than 50% of the red blood cells than it normally would. This revelation is far more than expected and has been unveiled from the breath and blood of 14 astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). 

Causes of Space Anemia? 

As per Dr. Narendra Singhla, Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi. Unlike anemia, often caused by malnutrition or chronic diseases, space anemia is generally caused by the body’s inadaptability to the space environment. 

Space Anemia is caused by distribution of blood and fluid shifts in the human body towards the head. This hugely impacts the blood volume and decreases the production of RBCs. In some cases, the astronauts gradually approached anemia, which can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe. 

Dr. Singhla emphasized that this condition can also cause several long-term health issues if not managed properly.  

These include: 

Physiological Stress: The reduction of RBCs and hemoglobin can cause fatigue and weakness in the body. This can also impact the astronaut’s performance and well-being during missions onboard. 

Cardiovascular Risks: One of the major causes of a decrease in the count of RBC’s is increased risk of cardiovascular issues, which can lead to a reduction of oxygen in the body. This condition can also elevate to cause heart failures and other cardiovascular complications.