Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally touched down on Earth after 9 months in Internation Space Station (ISS). However, this was not the plan as both astronauts went to the ISS to stay there for a week which was disrupted due to a technical problem in Boeing’s Starliner craft.
In this article, we talk about how Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore survived on the International Space Station and what they ate in space.
All About The Unplanned 9-Month Space Adventure Of Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
Boeing Starline spacecraft took two of the best astronauts of NASA Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station on 5th June 2024. The ISS is located 254 miles (409 km) above the Earth hosting astronauts across the globe for 25 years.
However, due to technical issues like thrust problems, and helium leaks the spacecraft was unable to bring the NASA astronauts back to Earth. What was to be a week-long stay on ISS became a 9-month stay on board the Starling spacecraft. This led to the depletion of food onboard the spacecraft for the astronauts along with several health problems related to living in space for so long.
Physical challenges like weight loss, muscle loss, bone loss, balance readjustment, vision issues, and fluid shifts resulting in kidney stones were some of the the major worries for the scientists below on Earth. The well-being of these astronauts led to Elon Musk Space X launching the SpaceX Dragon to bring back the astronauts.
Today the astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore safely landed near Florida cost on in the Space X Dragon capsule and made history for staying the longest in space or the ISS.
What Gets Eaten in Space?
Generally, astronauts don’t get lavish meals on the ISS because of limited space. Additionally, the lack of gravitation in the space station makes granules like salt, pepper, or other spices float in microgravity created inside the craft. These granules can disrupt equipment, clog air vents, or get in the eyes. Hence pre-packed meals that are freeze-dried or thermostabilized are put on board the spacecraft for astronauts.
However, in the nine months in ISS, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore did get some specially prepared meals like Shrimp Cocktails, Roast Chicken and Pizza. They also had access to powdered milk with cereals, tuna, soups, casseroles, stews, and roast chicken meals in the space station. All these foods required rehydration as they were pre-cooked and freeze-dried on Earth.
According to sources, the astronauts were restricted to limited fresh produce so the astronauts could maintain a nutritious diet on board and also because they ran out of food due to extended stay on the space station.
