Without water, astronauts stuck in space will have to drink ‘recycled urine’

Being an astronaut is one of the most challenging and risky professions there is. Few get the chance to leave Earth and explore space, and those who do face unimaginable challenges. Such is the case of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, astronauts from NASA who embarked on the first crewed mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft to International Space Station (ISS) in June of this year. What was supposed to be an eight-day stay turned into a prolonged and agonizing wait in space, due to technical problems with the spacecraft that would bring them back to Earth.

Problem in the mission

The mission, which initially had a well-defined schedule, was affected by a helium leak in the Starliner, preventing the astronauts from returning as planned. Now, Wilmore and Williams are “stranded” approximately 200 miles above Earth, facing the harsh reality of a mission that has been extended for an indefinite period of time. To ensure their survival, the pair had to adopt extreme measures, such as rationing resources and even recycling urine to obtain drinking water, a procedure that, although disconcerting, is vital in such circumstances.

No showers

Meganne Christians, a British astronaut with the European Space Agency, said in an interview that despite the delicate situation, Wilmore and Williams were prepared for a prolonged mission. “Space is difficult,” says Christians, emphasizing that in situations like this, adaptation is crucial. The lack of showers, for example, is overcome by using wet towels, and changing clothes, limited by logistical issues, occurs only once a week.

Health at risk

In addition to the daily challenges, the physical and health risks are significant. Weightlessness and radiation exposure are two of the greatest dangers astronauts face during an extended stay in space. Although the ISS is equipped with shields to protect against radiation, Wilmore and Williams are still vulnerable to the sun’s rays, increasing their risk of diseases, including cancer. Weightlessness also accelerates the aging process, weakening muscles and bones, and requiring a rigorous exercise regimen to mitigate these effects.

Working out in space

The ISS offers some solutions to these problems, such as a fully equipped gym where astronauts are required to exercise for at least 90 minutes a day. However, even with these precautions, prolonged stays in space can lead to health complications, such as loss of bone density, kidney stones and eye problems.

Return forecast

As for their return to Earth, there is no definitive date yet. NASA estimates that Wilmore and Williams could return in February, but that depends on the success of the necessary repairs to the Starliner. Until then, astronauts will continue to face not only physical challenges, but also psychological ones, such as boredom and uncertainty, which are just as dangerous as the physical risks in space.

Challenge

As they await their return, Wilmore and Williams find themselves in a situation that, while not leaving them “lost in space,” certainly requires resilience and determination. Their experience highlights both the inherent dangers of space travel and the need for continued advancements in space technology to ensure astronaut safety.

Summary for those in a hurry:

• Astronauts Wilmore and Williams face extended stay on the ISS due to technical problems with the Starliner spacecraft.
• Extreme measures, such as urine recycling, were adopted to ensure survival.
• Weightlessness and radiation exposure are the greatest health risks for astronauts.
• Physical exercise is essential to mitigate adverse effects on the body due to the lack of gravity.
• Return to Earth is estimated for February, depending on the success of Starliner repairs.
• Situation requires resilience and determination to deal with the physical and psychological challenges of space.