NASA has reassured the international community that astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who have been aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for five months, have sufficient food supplies. However, concerns persist as experts highlight a diminishing stock of fresh food.
Limited Fresh Food on the ISS
According to The New York Post, Williams and Wilmore are consuming a range of meals, including pizza, roast chicken, shrimp cocktails, tuna, powdered milk, and breakfast cereal. Despite meeting their caloric needs, their diet lacks fresh fruits and vegetables. Fresh produce is available only in the initial weeks after a resupply mission, with the rest of their diet relying on packaged or freeze-dried options. The ISS receives fresh food every three months, limiting their access to these items.
The astronauts receive 1.7 kg of food per person daily, tailored to their nutritional requirements. All food is pre-cooked on Earth and reheated aboard the ISS. To conserve resources, the station also recycles urine and sweat into drinkable water. Meals are prepared and consumed using magnetized trays to prevent floating in microgravity.
Health Concerns and Weight Loss Claims
Recent NASA-released photos of Williams sparked global attention, showing her with sunken cheeks and appearing thinner. This led to speculation about her health and possible weight loss due to insufficient provisions. However, a specialist involved in the Starliner mission clarified that “any weight loss is not due to a lack of provisions on the ISS. There is plenty of food, even for an extended mission.”
Williams Responds to Rumors
Addressing the speculation, Williams denied claims of weight loss, explaining that her appearance was due to weight redistribution caused by microgravity. The astronauts’ health continues to be closely monitored, ensuring their well-being during their extended mission in space.