Washington, March 17 – Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who embarked on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in June last year, have been stranded in space for nearly ten months due to technical concerns with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. As NASA finalizes their return plan, the duo continues to share a confined space with nine other astronauts aboard the orbiting laboratory, located 400 km above Earth.
This prolonged stay has brought renewed attention to the workings of the ISS, the challenges of long-duration space travel, and India’s own ambitions in the realm of human spaceflight.
How Does the ISS Maintain Its Orbit?
The ISS orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km, sustained by a delicate balance between gravitational pull and its tremendous speed. The station moves at a velocity of nearly 28,000 km per hour, ensuring that even as it is constantly pulled toward Earth, the planet’s curvature allows it to remain in perpetual freefall rather than plummeting to the surface.
Over time, atmospheric drag causes the ISS to lose altitude. To counteract this, periodic reboosts are carried out using thrusters on docked spacecraft or the station itself, ensuring it remains at the desired orbit.
Life Aboard the ISS: Food, Fitness, and the Unique Experience of Space
Life in space presents a host of unique challenges. Astronauts rely on specially prepared, lightweight, nutrient-rich food, such as dehydrated meals and vacuum-sealed fruits. Meals are rehydrated before consumption, and utensils are designed for use in microgravity.
Interestingly, astronauts have reported a distinct, pungent metallic smell in space, particularly noticeable after spacewalks. Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, once described it as a singular odor that one quickly acclimates to.
Physical fitness is another critical aspect of life aboard the ISS. Without Earth’s gravity to provide resistance, astronauts experience rapid muscle atrophy and bone density loss. To counter this, they adhere to a rigorous daily exercise routine, using specialized resistance machines and harnessed treadmills to maintain strength and endurance.
Maintaining a healthy sleep cycle is another challenge. The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, meaning astronauts witness 16 sunrises and sunsets in a single day. To regulate their body clocks, they follow a strict 24-hour sleep-wake schedule.
The Global Collaboration Behind the ISS
The ISS is a testament to international cooperation in space exploration. Its primary partners include:
- The United States: The largest contributor, responsible for several key modules and technological innovations.
- Russia: Provides crew transport via Soyuz spacecraft and operates essential ISS components like the ‘Zvezda’ module.
- Europe: Contributes scientific research and hardware, including the ‘Columbus’ module.
- Japan: Operates the ‘Kibo’ laboratory and supplies cargo through the HTV transport vehicle.
- Canada: Developed the ‘Canadarm2,’ a robotic arm essential for station maintenance and operations.
India’s Space Station Ambitions
India is not currently part of the ISS program, but the country has been steadily advancing in human spaceflight. While Indian astronauts have yet to visit the ISS, ISRO has collaborated with international partners on various space research projects.
Looking ahead, India has set an ambitious target of establishing its own space station by 2035. The proposed Bharatiya Antriksh Station is envisioned as a low-Earth orbit (LEO) outpost, supporting long-duration missions and scientific research in microgravity.
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore’s Return Plan
NASA and SpaceX launched the Crew-10 mission on March 15, 2025, from the Kennedy Space Center. The mission’s Dragon capsule successfully docked with the ISS on March 16, carrying a fresh team of astronauts to replace Williams and Wilmore. Following a brief handover period, the duo is expected to begin their journey back to Earth, with NASA currently targeting March 19, 2025, for their return.
Challenges Upon Returning to Earth
Having spent over eight months in microgravity, Williams and Wilmore will likely face several physical and psychological adjustments upon their return:
- Muscle and Bone Loss: Astronauts lose approximately 1-2% of their bone mass per month in space, leading to temporary weakness and an increased risk of fractures.
- Coordination Issues: The inner ear adapts to weightlessness, which can cause dizziness and balance problems when back on Earth.
- Exposure to Radiation: Prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation increases risks of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and immune system suppression.
- Cardiovascular Adjustments: Fluid redistribution in space often results in facial puffiness and potential vision problems. Upon returning, astronauts may experience dizziness or fainting as their circulatory system readjusts to gravity.
- Psychological Effects: Extended isolation in a confined environment can contribute to stress, anxiety, and difficulty reintegrating into everyday life.
- Fatigue and Sleep Disturbances: The altered day-night cycle on the ISS often leads to sleep disorders, which may persist after returning to Earth.
As Williams and Wilmore prepare to conclude their unintended extended stay, their mission highlights both the challenges and the profound scientific advancements of human space exploration. With India laying the groundwork for its own space station, the nation’s aspirations in human spaceflight are set to take a significant leap forward in the coming decade.
