NASA Astronaut Suni Williams in Good Health Amidst Rumors

Suni Williams, a seasoned NASA astronaut currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has been confirmed to be in good health, countering recent speculation regarding her well-being. This assurance comes from NASA’s leading medical officer, following a wave of media reports suggesting that Williams was facing health issues during her unexpectedly prolonged mission in orbit.

The rumors began circulating widely on social media, prompting Williams to address these concerns directly. In a recent interview with the New England Sports Network, she stated, “I think there’s some rumors out there that I’m losing weight and stuff. No, I’m actually right at the same amount.”

At 59 years old, Williams is one of two astronauts whose stay at the ISS has been extended significantly—from an originally planned eight days to nearly eight months. This extension was necessitated by propulsion issues encountered with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft that transported them to the station in June. Although NASA has been careful to clarify that Williams and her fellow astronaut, Butch Wilmore, are not stranded, the decision was made for the Starliner to return to Earth without any crew onboard. Instead, Williams and Wilmore will remain at the ISS until February before returning home aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.

In a light-hearted moment captured in a photo released by NASA in late September, Williams and Wilmore were seen preparing a pizza in the microgravity environment of the ISS. However, some observers noted that Williams’ face appeared somewhat sunken and thin, which may have contributed to the health concerns circulating in the media.

Ultimately, NASA continues to emphasize that both astronauts are in good health and are making the most of their extended time in space, contributing valuable research and experience to the ongoing mission at the ISS.