ISRO Chief S. Somanath on Sunita Williams' Space Mission Crisis

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams, along with Commander Barry Wilmore, has been facing a prolonged mission aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Initially planned as a short mission, their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) has been extended due to critical issues with the spacecraft. The mission's challenges were highlighted by ISRO Chief S. Somanath, who expressed concerns about the technical anomalies that have delayed their return to Earth.

One of the major issues involves a helium gas leak, coupled with malfunctioning thrusters that pose a risk during the spacecraft's re-entry. Boeing has been conducting extensive simulation tests to resolve these problems, but the situation remains precarious as they await NASA's final decision on whether the Starliner is fit for the return journey. This mission, Boeing's first human spaceflight, is being closely monitored by both NASA and ISRO.

Prolonged space missions bring their own set of challenges, especially for the human body. Prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and increased radiation exposure, among other risks. These challenges underscore the importance of developing robust technology and backup strategies for future space missions.

ISRO is keenly observing these developments as it prepares for the Gaganyaan mission, which will be India's first manned space mission. The experiences of astronauts like Sunita Williams are providing invaluable lessons for ISRO, particularly in terms of ensuring astronaut safety during long-duration spaceflights.