1.4 Billion Indians Unite in Prayer for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's Safe Homecoming
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Synopsis
On March 18, 1.4 billion Indians are united in prayer for the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore after their lengthy 285-day mission aboard the ISS. Experts discuss the challenges faced during their journey and the health risks associated with long-term spaceflight.
Key Takeaways
- 1.4 billion Indians are praying for Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore's safe return.
- They spent 285 days in the ISS, surpassing their initial eight-day mission.
- Safety protocols are critical during their landing.
- Long missions can lead to health issues like calcium loss and muscle atrophy.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation is necessary after extended space stays.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Approximately 1.4 billion Indians are fervently wishing for the safe return of Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore -- who have spent nearly 285 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) -- as noted by experts on Tuesday.
Williams and Wilmore made history by becoming the first crew to fly on Boeing's malfunctioning Starliner spacecraft last June. What was initially planned as an eight-day mission unexpectedly extended to 285 days in orbit.
Following multiple delays, the astronaut pair is now on their way back to Earth. Their journey commenced aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft on Tuesday morning, with an expected arrival on Wednesday morning.
"1.4 billion Indians are praying and hoping for their safe return," expressed former ISRO scientist Guru Prasad to IANS while discussing the potential risks during landing.
He emphasized that with the known dangers of such flights, space engineers will implement stringent safety protocols and procedures.
"Reflecting on the advancements made over the past 65 years since Yuri Gagarin's historic flight, and the accumulated knowledge, I am hopeful about Williams' safe return," Prasad remarked.
He further elaborated on the experiences of astronauts in space and the unique challenges posed by weightlessness.
"The life of an astronaut is inherently challenging; Sunita Williams has encountered these difficulties. Although it's demanding, they are exceptionally trained to endure," noted Prasad, who is also the Director of the Association of Science Education at Nehru Planetarium.
Moreover, the expert pointed out health complications that can arise from prolonged space missions.
"Extended stays in space can lead to calcium depletion in astronauts, increasing their risk of fractures due to brittle bones," Prasad said.
Additional health concerns stemming from prolonged space exposure include muscle atrophy and effects on the heart, immune system, digestive health, vision, and mental state.
The spine may also straighten, causing astronauts to become slightly taller. "However, this doesn’t imply a danger to humans... over 500 individuals have successfully traveled to space and returned in the past few decades," Prasad informed IANS.
Prerna Chandra, Project Manager at Nehru Planetarium, also discussed the health risks astronauts may encounter upon reentry.
"In space, astronauts exist in a state of microgravity. Without gravity, numerous changes and complications arise upon their return to Earth," Chandra remarked, extending her wishes for Williams' safe landing.
"The astronauts will require comprehensive rehabilitation due to their long duration of 9 months, and recovery will take considerable time," she added.
