NASA’s very own astronaut Suni Williams, currently traversing the boundless expanse of Earth’s orbit, is reportedly in robust health, contradicting swirling media conjectures that suggest otherwise. Despite the sensationalist narratives crafted by outlets like The Daily Mail and The New York Post, which highlighted concerns regarding her wellbeing aboard the venerable International Space Station (ISS), NASA asserts that all is well.
These rumors were stoked by a photograph taken on September 24, painting Williams in a light that some speculated made her seem “gaunt.” Yet, an official communiqué from NASA, dispatched just yesterday on November 7, aims to quash any fears. The message unequivocally affirmed that the commander of the current Expedition 72 is not just surviving but thriving, with no issues being tracked for her or any of her fellow spacefarers — a crew comprising four NASA astronauts and three Russian cosmonauts.
According to NASA, “All astronauts aboard the ISS undergo routine medical evaluations and are meticulously monitored by dedicated flight surgeons, ensuring they remain in good health.” Such assurances are meant to placate the unease sparked by recent media discourse.
In an entertaining twist, Williams and her teammate, fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, made their grand entrance to the ISS aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 6. Initially slated for a swift return to Earth shortly thereafter, their plans were dramatically altered by complications related to the Starliner’s thruster systems, prompting NASA to send the capsule back without its crew. This unexpected turn of events did not, however, deter the mission; instead, it led the duo to extend their stay until February 2025, when they are expected to return alongside astronauts from SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission.
Fortunately, a wealth of supplies remains onboard, ensuring that Williams and Wilmore can maintain their health and morale as they navigate through this unforeseen extension of their orbital adventure, with plentiful provisions at their disposal.