Stuck in Space for 6 Months: How is Sunita Williams staying physically and mentally healthy beyond Earth

Originally scheduled to last eight days, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, two astronauts with the National Aeronautics and orbit Administration (NASA), have been in space for seventy days with no apparent end in sight. Both NASA astronauts are stranded, to stay on the International Space Station (ISS) longer than planned. Their original 8-day mission, which began in June, has been extended to 2025 due to problems with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
The Starliner experienced propulsion system issues and helium leaks. An empty Starliner returned to Earth earlier this month due to safety concerns. A SpaceX capsule launched in October to retrieve the astronauts, but their return is not scheduled until next year. Until a SpaceX Dragon ship arrives to get them in February 2025, the crew will have to stay at the space station, which is located 254 miles above Earth.

Concerns arose about the astronauts' well-being during this extended stay, especially regarding food and oxygen. NASA assures the public that the ISS has ample supplies. “The space station is well-stocked with everything the crew needs, including food, water, clothing and oxygen,” NASA stated. Regular resupply missions will continue.


Food supplies are under stress due to the unanticipated extension. Pizza, roast chicken, prawn cocktails, and fresh produce were all on their original menu. They now mostly eat breakfast cereal with powdered milk, reconstituted soup made with water from the station's 530-gallon reservoir, and dehydrated casseroles. In a shocking revelation, the ISS turns crew urine and sweat into drinkable water to maximize efficiency.

NASA also addressed the astronauts' mental health. They stated that they “have a team of doctors, psychologists, and others on the ground dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of astronauts before, during, and after each space mission.” The agency offers psychological support for astronauts and their families. Astronauts also undergo behavioral health training and have communication access to family and friends, along with care packages.
Additionally, NASA ensures that astronauts' mental and emotional health is supported while they are in orbit. According to a statement, the space agency offers crew members and their family psychological support services that are tailored to each mission.

In order to manage their behavioral health, astronauts get intensive training in the use of self-assessment instruments and therapies. In order to prepare each astronaut for missions on critical characteristics including communication, teamwork, leadership, and followership, NASA also offers training in expeditionary skills," the statement continued.
Astronauts can receive crew care packages on NASA's cargo resupply missions, teleconference with a psychologist if necessary, and email, call, and video conference with their loved ones to help keep them motivated and positive while on the space station.