Stranded in Space: The Unexpected Health Toll of a Prolonged ISS Mission

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are spending over 170 days on the International Space Station (ISS), far exceeding their original mission length. This article explores the various health impacts of prolonged space travel, including fluid redistribution causing swelling, vision impairment, bone loss, radiation exposure, and psychological challenges. A NASA study comparing astronaut Scott Kelly to his twin brother Mark, who remained on Earth, highlighted the effects of microgravity. Despite the challenges, the astronauts willingly endure these risks for the sake of space exploration, prompting ongoing NASA research for longer-duration missions.