A former NASA staffer has revealed the surprising salaries astronauts receive while reportedly stranded during their missions in space.
NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore have been in space for a long time.
They were supposed to stay for just eight days, but their mission has stretched to 251 days.
This unexpected extension raises questions about their health and pay during this extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS).
Astronauts’ mission extended due to technical issues.
Williams and Wilmore launched from Cape Canaveral on June 5, 2024. Their mission was to conduct research and experiments.
Things went wrong when a technical issue with their Boeing capsule prevented them from returning to Earth.
As a result, they have been stuck on the ISS for over eight months.
Their extended stay has kept them away from their families during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It has also raised concerns about their health.
As time passes, people are worried about the physical effects of being in space for so long.
Health concerns in space
Spending extended time in microgravity can lead to serious health issues.
One major concern is the loss of bone density.
This condition, known as disuse osteoporosis, makes bones weaker because they are not used to supporting the body’s weight.
When astronauts return to Earth, they risk fractures and other injuries because their bones may not be strong enough.
To combat this problem, Williams and Wilmore exercise every day.
They spend at least two hours on various workout routines, including cycling, weightlifting, and using a treadmill.
This daily exercise helps keep their bones and muscles strong, which is crucial for their health.
Williams has noticed changes in her body due to this exercise.
She mentioned that her thighs and glute muscles have become stronger.
The workouts not only help maintain their physical health but also provide a routine that is important for their mental well-being.
Life on the ISS is not easy.
The astronauts have to deal with limited food supplies.
At times, they have even had to drink soup made from their own urine, which is a concerning situation.
They manage their daily tasks while also keeping up with their exercise routines.
Being away from Earth for so long can affect mental health as well.
Williams has expressed challenges in remembering how to walk, which highlights the difficulties astronauts face when adjusting back to life on Earth.
The transition from microgravity back to gravity can be tough on the body.
McDowell outlines that “the party line at NASA is that the astronauts are not stranded,” insisting that “it’s way overblown.”
“They’re fine,” McDowell explains. “They just got to do an extra spacewalk, which they love. They’ll come home on the next ride.”
Ex-NASA staffer reveals how much ‘stranded’ astronauts actually get paid during space mission
Another issue that has come to light is how much the astronauts are paid for their time in space.
Reports indicate they will likely receive very little extra money for their extended stay.
While they initially planned for an eight-day mission, their pay structure seems to remain the same.
Astronauts on a mission like this are typically paid a daily rate.
However, because of the extended duration, their compensation may not reflect the challenges they face.
Some estimates suggest they could receive only a small amount, possibly as low as $4 extra per day for their time beyond the initial eight days.
This situation raises questions about how NASA values the sacrifices made by astronauts.
Urgent calls for assistance to stranded astronauts.
As news of their situation spreads, there have been calls for more support from leaders and organizations. U.S.
President Donald Trump has even urged Elon Musk and SpaceX to expedite their rescue. The hope is that the astronauts will return home soon.
NASA has not provided a clear timeline for their return yet.
However, the agency continues to monitor their health and well-being closely.
The astronauts’ experiences highlight the challenges of long-term space missions and the need for proper support systems.