Worrying: Sunita Williams has little fresh food left on ISS
What's the story
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has been stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) for the past few months, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore.
The recently released images by NASA show a noticeably thinner Williams, raising concerns about her health.
These fears are further fueled by a report from the New York Post that suggests that the ISS is running low on fresh produce.
Dietary challenges
Limited fresh produce and health monitoring
Despite NASA's assurance that Williams and Wilmore have enough food, experts say their stock of fresh food is running out.
The New York Post reports that the astronauts are consuming pizza, roast chicken, and shrimp cocktails. However, they have very little fresh produce to supplement their diets.
To address this, NASA's doctors are closely monitoring the health and diets of both the astronauts.
Supply details
ISS food supply and preparation process
A specialist involved with the Starliner mission, told the New York Post that although the astronauts have a wide range of food items, their diet lacks fresh fruits and vegetables because of the ISS's three-month supply cycle.
NASA says each astronaut is given about 1.7kg of food per day, along with extra reserves to account for unplanned mission extensions.
Health reassurance
Williams dismisses weight loss concerns
The specialist also stressed that the astronauts are well-cared for and there is no need to worry about their health.
In a video interview, Williams dismissed rumors about her apparent weight loss as "rumors," attributing her changed appearance to fluid shifting in her body due to space's weightlessness.
She said, "There's some rumors around out there that I'm losing weight and stuff," adding, "No, I'm actually right at the same amount."
Mission extension
Extended stay on ISS due to technical malfunctions
Williams and Wilmore were originally slated for an eight-day stay on the ISS. However, technical issues with the Boeing Starliner led to an extended stay. A SpaceX flight is now slated to return them to Earth in February.