Astronauts stranded in space for six months are reportedly surviving by making soup from their own urine for sustenance.
Two NASA astronauts, Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, have been stranded in space for more than 6 months.
Originally, they were on an eight-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS) that began on June 5, 2024.
However, technical problems with their spacecraft have delayed their return, leaving them in orbit much longer than expected.
Astronauts stranded in space for six months rely on urine-based soup for survival
Since their extended stay, the astronauts have had to adjust to a limited food supply.
At first, they enjoyed a variety of meals, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and even shrimp cocktails.
However, as time passed, their options have become less appealing.
Nowadays, they mostly eat breakfast cereal, dehydrated casseroles, and freeze-dried soups.
One of the more surprising aspects of their situation is how they are managing their water supply.
The ISS has a 530-gallon emergency tank that recycles water from the astronauts’ urine and sweat.
This system ensures they have enough water to survive while minimizing waste.
While this may sound unappetizing, it is a crucial part of life in space.
Health concerns arise due to long-duration space missions and isolation.
There have been worries about the astronauts’ health, particularly regarding weight loss,
Some observers noted that Suni appeared to be losing weight during their time in space,
However, in a video update, she reassured everyone that she was maintaining her weight.
She mentioned that the microgravity environment can change how the body looks, sometimes making heads appear larger or bodies look different.
“But Butch and I have been up here for a number of months, we’ve been on the workout gear. We’ve got a bike, we got a treadmill and we got weightlifting equipment.
“And I could definitely tell that weightlifting – which is not something I do all the time – has definitely changed me.
My thighs are a little bigger, my but is a little bigger, we do a lot of squats,” she said.
Suni explained that both she and Butch have been keeping fit with exercise equipment available on the ISS.
They have access to a bike, a treadmill, and weights, which help them maintain their physical health.
NASA has emphasized that the astronauts undergo regular medical evaluations and that they are being closely monitored by flight surgeons.
An upcoming rescue mission aims to bring stranded astronauts back safely.
A SpaceX Dragon capsule os scheduled to launch early next year to rescue Williams and Wilmore.
This will provide them with a safe return to Earth after their extended mission.
NASA has ensured the astronauts have enough supplies until their rescue.
NASA officials have confirmed that the astronauts are in good health and have adequate food and water.
A NASA specialist confirmed the astronauts’ daily food allowance meets nutritional needs during long missions.
“There’s fresh fruit at first. But as the months continue that goes away.
“Their fruits and vegetables are packaged or freeze-dried.”