Sunita Williams' Before and After Space Photos – From Liftoff to Splashdown, 9 Months Apart

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, 58, is finally returning to Earth after spending over nine months in space—far longer than the one-week mission originally planned. Williams and fellow astronaut Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) since May 2023, facing unexpected delays with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft.  

While their return is eagerly awaited, spaceflight takes a toll on the human body. Experts have expressed concerns about the physical effects of long-duration space missions, including muscle mass loss, bone density reduction, and overall health deterioration.  

Health Challenges: Muscle and Bone Loss in Microgravity  

Astronauts in space experience significant muscle atrophy and bone density loss due to the absence of Earth's gravity. According to NASA, weight-bearing bones lose about 1% to 1.5% of their mineral density per month in space. While rehabilitation helps restore strength, some bone loss may be irreversible.  

Additionally, without proper diet and exercise, astronauts lose muscle mass much faster than they would on Earth. To counteract this, Williams followed a strict 2.5-hour daily workout routine to maintain strength and endurance.  

Weight Loss and Health Concerns in Between 

Recent images of Williams in space show noticeable weight loss, with sunken cheeks and a thinner frame. Medical experts suggest that astronauts burn more calories in space as their bodies adjust to microgravity, extreme temperatures, and increased energy demands.  

Before: 

Her cheeks appear a bit sunken, which often happens due to total body weight loss. This could be a result of reduced appetite or increased calorie consumption due to the body’s adaptation to space.

After: 

NASA, however, has reassured that all astronauts undergo routine medical evaluations and are in good health. Jimi Russell, spokesperson for NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, clarified, “All NASA astronauts aboard the ISS are monitored by flight surgeons and remain in good health.”  

Fear and Uncertainty During the Mission  

The extended stay in space wasn’t just physically demanding but also raised serious concerns about Williams’ well-being. The unexpected delays triggered anxiety among mission doctors, particularly after the hospitalization of another NASA crew member in a separate mission.  

Although NASA has not disclosed specific medical issues, the prolonged exposure to radiation, isolation, and psychological stress are known risks of long-duration space travel. The space agency has extensively studied the long-term health effects of microgravity, emphasizing that radiation exposure increases astronauts’ risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and vision impairment.  

Achievements and Resilience: A Space Veteran’s Legacy  

Despite these challenges, Sunita Williams remains one of the most accomplished astronauts in NASA’s history. Over her career, she has:  
- Logged over 500 days in space across multiple missions.  
- Performed seven spacewalks, totaling nearly 51 hours outside the ISS.  
- Set the record for the longest spacewalk by a woman at the time.  
- Piloted the Boeing Starliner’s first crewed mission despite its technical delays.  

Williams has also been vocal about her Indian heritage and cultural roots, previously carrying a Bhagavad Gita and a Lord Ganesha idol to space as symbols of her faith and resilience.