An astrophysicist sparked controversy by stating he has “no sympathy” for NASA astronauts returning to Earth after nine months in space.
Recently, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson expressed his thoughts on NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore as they returned to Earth after an extended mission in space.
Their mission, originally planned for only eight days, turned into an unexpected nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
NASA astronauts had an eight-day mission before it turned into grueling nine-month ordeal
Williams and Wilmore were supposed to spend just over a week in space.
However, due to various technical issues, they ended up being “stranded” in space for an extra 278 days.
This extended mission raised questions about the astronauts’ well-being and the challenges they faced during their time in zero gravity.
Upon their return, many people wondered how Williams and Wilmore coped with the lengthy stay.
Astrophysicist sparks debate after saying he has ‘no sympathy’ for astronauts stranded in space for nine months
Tyson, however, did not share the same concerns.
In a recent interview, he stated that he felt no sympathy for the astronauts throughout their ordeal.
He emphasized that they are highly trained professionals who are well-prepared for the rigors of space travel.
Tyson emphasized the astronauts’ training, which not only involves physical fitness but also emotional resilience.
According to Tyson, this emotional fitness allows them to manage unexpected circumstances effectively, such as their extended time in space.
He remarked, “They are professional astronauts… they are selected not just because they are physically fit but also because they are emotionally fit, okay?
“And when you are emotionally fit, things like, ‘okay, instead of eight days it’s nine months’… you don’t see them freaking out or reacting in some way that would jeopardise the safety of the crew.
So that’s why I was never worried… even if everybody else was. At no time did I have sympathy for them.
“I don’t think they needed sympathy, personally.”
NASA astronauts face physical challenges after returning from space.
Despite his lack of concern, Tyson acknowledged that the astronauts might face some physical challenges after their long stay in space.
He explained that being weightless for such an extended period could affect their muscle strength and coordination.
However, he reassured that the ISS has various exercise tools to help astronauts maintain their physical condition.
Tyson continued: “There is no reason to think their muscles will not be able to hold them up… on the ISS they have many ways to exercise.
Tyson mentioned that astronauts usually recover quickly once they return to Earth.
He stated, “Typically, they will recover within a week.”
Tyson also discussed the safety measures in place during the astronauts’ extended mission.
He pointed out that there were backup plans available if the primary mission became problematic.
This included the possibility of using another rocket from a different company to ensure the astronauts’ safe return.
He shared: “The fact is we had options…when Plan A failed, we brought in Plan B – another rocket, from a whole other private company.
The fact we had options is a sign that the space frontier is becoming part of everyday understanding of where human beings can be.”
Financial compensation for extended stay
Another aspect of the astronauts’ return is the question of financial compensation.
Reports suggest that astronauts may not receive extra pay for the additional time spent in space.
They are paid as federal employees, so their salaries stay the same no matter how long the mission lasts.
Former NASA astronaut Cady Coleman stated that astronauts receive a small daily rate for incidental expenses while in space.
For instance, she mentioned earning about $4 a day during her own extended mission.
Williams and Wilmore earn annual salaries between $125,133 and $162,672.
Based on Cady Coleman’s figures, they may receive just over $1,000 in extra cash for incidental expenses during their time in space, in addition to their regular pay.