NASA astronauts return home after major delay. Their extended stay could have health consequences

Salon - Mar 15th, 2025
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NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth after an unplanned nine-month stay on the International Space Station. Originally set to remain at the ISS for only 10 days, their mission was extended due to helium leaks and propulsion system issues with Elon Musk’s Starliner spacecraft. This extended stay raises concerns about the health impacts of long-duration space missions on astronauts, as prolonged exposure to microgravity can lead to significant changes in body function, including bone density loss, cognitive shifts, and increased radiation exposure.

This development highlights the challenges of human space exploration, especially as commercial space travel gains momentum with companies like SpaceX pushing for missions to Mars. The physiological changes astronauts experience in space also offer insights into accelerated aging and disease models, potentially informing healthcare innovations on Earth. Williams and Wilmore's mission underscores the critical need for continued research into the effects of space travel on human health, with broader implications for future long-distance space missions.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by astronauts during extended space missions, focusing on both technical and health aspects. It effectively communicates complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner, contributing to public understanding of space travel's risks. However, the article would benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its reliability and balance. While the topic is timely and of public interest, some claims require further verification to strengthen the article's accuracy and impact. Overall, the piece serves as a valuable entry point into discussions about the future of human space exploration.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article accurately describes the extended stay of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore on the ISS due to technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft. It mentions the helium leaks and propulsion problems, which are consistent with known issues reported by reliable sources. The health effects of prolonged space travel, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and radiation exposure, are well-documented, aligning with current scientific understanding. However, specific claims about the astronauts’ health impacts during their nine-month stay require further verification through post-mission assessments. The article also accurately reports the launch of the SpaceX Crew-10 mission to relieve the astronauts, though any political influences mentioned lack direct evidence and need additional sourcing.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the technical and health aspects of the astronauts' extended mission, providing a detailed look at the challenges faced. However, it lacks diverse perspectives, such as insights from other experts or stakeholders involved in space missions, which could provide a more rounded view. The piece does not show overt favoritism towards any party, but the absence of certain viewpoints, such as those from Boeing or other space agencies, could suggest a slight imbalance.

8
Clarity

The article is well-written and structured, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. It effectively explains the physical effects of space travel and the technical issues with the Starliner spacecraft. The logical flow from the mission's background to the astronauts' health impacts and recovery process is clear, aiding comprehension. The tone remains neutral and informative throughout.

5
Source quality

The article references credible sources, such as NASA and experts in space biomedicine, but it does not provide direct citations or links to these sources within the text. This lack of direct attribution makes it challenging to verify the information independently. The inclusion of expert opinions adds authority, yet the article would benefit from a broader range of sources, including official NASA statements or peer-reviewed studies, to enhance its reliability.

4
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was gathered or provide links to primary sources. While it quotes experts, the context of these interviews or statements is not provided. The piece would benefit from clear attribution and explanation of how conclusions were drawn, which would improve transparency and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.space.com/space-exploration/human-spaceflight/boeing-starliner-astronauts-will-return-to-earth-in-march-2025-after-new-nasa-spacex-delay
  2. https://www.h2fc-tokyo.com/calendar_detail/id=1367&year=2018&month=2
  3. https://www.deseret.com/business/2025/03/14/spacex-crew10-successful-launch-iss-boeing-starliner-astronauts-butch-wilmore-suni-williams-nasa-elon-musk-donald-trump/
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=394929%3Futm_source%3Dakdart
  5. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-nasa-and-spacexs-mission-to-relieve-starliner-astronauts-is-delayed-again-180986221/