What happens to astronauts during a longer stay in space | In Focus Podcast

When NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams flew to the International Space Station on June 5 of this year in the Boeing Starliner capsule, they expected to be back in about eight days. But now these experienced astronauts will stay in space for eight months – until February 2025. What happened? Their capsule, which was not deemed safe enough to return on its first flight with a human crew, suffered helium leaks and other malfunctions. Eventually, the Starliner capsule returned to Earth without a crew. Barry and Sunita are now scheduled to return next year in a SpaceX capsule.

So what happened to the Boeing Starliner? Who is on the ISS now and is there enough space and supplies for everyone? What happens to the bodies of astronauts who spend long periods in space and how does it affect their health? When will the ISS be decommissioned and will India be part of the next, new ISS?

Guest: TV Venkateswaran is a science communicator and visiting lecturer at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali.

Host: Zubeda Hamid

Edited by Jude Francis Weston

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