Two NASA astronauts celebrate Christmas in outer space after being stranded for months.
Astronauts Sunita Williams, 59, and Butch Wilmore, 61, launched into space on June 5 on what was supposed to be a weeklong test flight, however, their mission has been extended until March or even April 2025.
The pair has been stuck in space since they traveled to the International Space Station on a spaceship manufactured by Boeing called the Starliner. Safety concerns lead NASA to delay their return to Earth.
On Dec. 16, NASA’s Johnson Space Center posted a photo on Instagram showing Williams and another astronaut Don Pettit posing for a holiday season portrait.
It is possible to celebrate with good food in the space, said Army veteran Michelle Mackel.
“While much of the food is freeze-dried or pre-packaged, NASA has made significant strides in creating meals that are both nutritious and enjoyable,” Mackel told The Epoch Times on Dec. 25.
“It might not match a home-cooked holiday meal but like most soldiers who endure during combat or training drills, just having a decent meal brings a sense of comfort and tradition even in space.”
Astronauts, like soldiers, must prepare for delays and adapt to changing circumstances, according to Mackel.
“Delays like these highlight the precision and complexity of space missions,” she said. “Every element must be meticulously planned and executed to ensure the astronauts’ safety and mission success.”
The NASA website describes the International Space Station as a large spacecraft in orbit around Earth that several nations worked together to build so that crews of astronauts and cosmonauts would have a place to live.
“We totally understand the challenges of being isolated up there with only each other … yes, it does maybe take a bit of a toll, but they have been very professional and are handling it really well,” NASA flight director Chloe Mehring said.
“They’ll have the day off to talk to family, send emails, they can use the IP phone [internet phone],” Mehring said of Williams and Wilmore.
Mackel notes that the restrictions are logistical and operational.
“Communication systems are limited, and astronauts need to prioritize their mission-related responsibilities,” she said. “It’s similar to being deployed in the military. You miss your family, but the mission comes first.”
After it was noted that Williams has experienced visible weight loss during the delayed space mission, NASA stated online that “all astronauts undergo medical training and have regular contact with a team of doctors closely monitoring their health on the ground. NASA also maintains a robust pharmacy and a suite of medical equipment onboard the space station to treat various conditions and injuries.”
The long-term psychological and health effects that can come with prolonged stays in space include muscle atrophy and bone density loss.
“In microgravity, the human body undergoes significant changes,” Mackel said. “Maintaining their fitness is essential to ensure they can perform tasks effectively and recover quickly upon returning to Earth. The restrictions reflect the high-stakes nature of their work, similar to the military, where strict routines and regulations are designed to ensure peak performance and readiness.”
This isn’t the first time astronauts have dined on holiday fare in outer space.
In a Nov. 27 statement, NASA says astronauts in the space shuttle Endeavour ate a Thanksgiving meal consisting of smoked turkey, candied yams, green beans, mushrooms, cornbread dressing, and a cranapple dessert.
“Whether you’re stationed in a Middle Eastern desert or a spaceship, it’s that same longing for home that keeps you emotionally grounded,” Mackel said. “It’s a challenge that requires immense mental strength and focus. Both occupations of being a soldier or astronaut are hard for anyone to relate to if they haven’t experienced it.”
From The Epoch Times
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