NASA is urgently addressing the significant weight loss of astronaut Sunita Williams, who has become increasingly gaunt after being stranded aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to a malfunction. Williams, 59, had initially been scheduled for an eight-day mission with fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore. However, after technical issues with their spacecraft, the mission has extended for over eight months, leaving them stranded in space.

Recent images of Williams have raised global concern, showing her with a noticeably thinner frame and sunken cheeks. According to a NASA insider, Williams, who began the mission at 140 lbs, has struggled to maintain the high-calorie diet necessary for astronauts. In the weightlessness of space, astronauts must consume 3,500 to 4,000 calories a day to maintain their weight, with additional calories burned through daily exercise to maintain muscle mass and bone density. Williams’ inability to keep up with these caloric demands has resulted in a rapid drop in weight.

NASA has been working with Williams to address the issue, focusing on helping her regain weight in preparation for her return, which is scheduled for February aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Despite the alarming photos, NASA maintains that Williams’ health is being closely monitored, and there is no immediate cause for concern.

Williams, an accomplished astronaut and former marathon runner, made history in 2007 as the first person to run a marathon in space. Although space travel presents unique challenges for women astronauts, NASA continues to prioritize her well-being, with doctors providing ongoing support to help her recover and prepare for her return to Earth.

This health scare follows other recent medical incidents involving astronauts, including the hospitalization of returning astronauts from the ISS, sparking further interest in the physical effects of extended space missions.