• Source:JND
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Life aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has taken an unusual turn for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded in orbit since June. According to a report by the Daily Star, dwindling rations have left the crew relying on a nutrient-rich soup made from recycled urine to sustain themselves. With their rescue mission not slated until 2025, the astronauts face the challenge of adapting to extreme measures for survival in the harsh environment of space.

What began as an eight-day mission in June has stretched into a six-month ordeal after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, intended for their return, was grounded due to helium leaks and thruster malfunctions, making it unsafe for a manned journey.

With months remaining before the stranded crew returns to Earth, NASA launched an uncrewed spacecraft from Kazakhstan on Thursday evening at 6 PM IST. The mission is aimed at delivering 3 tons of food, fuel, and essential supplies to sustain the astronauts. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS by 8 PM IST on Saturday, ensuring continued support for the crew during their extended mission.

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Dietary Challenges Of Stranded ISS Astronauts

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, initially surviving on fresh fruits, roast chicken, and pizza, are now surviving on a limited menu of powdered milk, dehydrated casseroles, and freeze-dried soup rehydrated with water recycled from their own sweat and urine. While the ISS’s advanced filtration system ensures efficient water reuse, the drastic dietary shift has sparked concerns about the long-term impact on their health during their unexpectedly prolonged stay in space.

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Concerns about the astronauts' health have risen due to their extended time in space, with photos from November 8 revealing significant weight loss. NASA has assured the public that the crew undergoes regular medical check-ups and is closely monitored by flight surgeons, with all astronauts reported to be in good condition.