New Delhi. Space Mission Health Effects: Two NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore were sent on a space mission for a week on June 2, after which they have not yet been able to return to Earth. Due to a technical fault in the aircraft, they have been in space for almost two months, due to which concerns are now being raised about their health (Risks of Long-Term Space Travel).

According to NASA's report, they may not be able to return to Earth before February 2025. Health experts say that the DNA of astronauts is at risk due to staying in space for months (Prolonged Space Missions). Let us tell you that many such changes occur in the body in space, which cause great harm to health. Let us know what health related damage can Sunita Williams suffer due to staying in space for a long time.

Bone and muscle loss occurs

Gravity in space is almost negligible compared to the earth, but staying in microgravity for a long time causes the density of bones and muscles to decrease. This is called bone and muscle loss.

Risk of space anemia

Not only this, staying in space for a long time also causes changes in the body fluids, so more red blood cells are destroyed in space than on Earth. Also, oxidative stress caused by space radiation also damages red blood cells.

Let us tell you that according to NASA, about 20 lakh red blood cells are formed and destroyed every second in a person's body on earth, but in space this number increases to 30 lakhs. Due to this, astronauts suffer from space anemia .

Cancer Risk

The heart is also not able to function properly in the microgravity of space. Due to this, changes also occur in the structure of the heart. Also, the risk of cancer also increases due to exposure to space radiation . Let us tell you that after returning from space, many astronauts have also reported problems related to eyesight.

Disparity in DNA

According to experts, cosmic radiation is made up of very high energy particles, which when exposed to DNA breaks down and causes changes in it. This can also cause genetic abnormalities. This is one of the most serious issues related to the health of astronauts.

Although NASA monitors the level of radiation, in the case of Sunita Williams, it is more dangerous because she may have to remain exposed to it for a long time. Due to this, her mental health can also be affected.

When will Sunita Williams be able to return from space?

Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore went on a 10-day mission to the International Space Station, but have not been able to return to Earth for the last two months due to a technical fault in Boeing's Starliner. NASA says that if Starliner is not deemed safe to return, they will be brought back to Earth with SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025.