NASA Refutes Reports of ‘Health Concerns’ for ISS Astronaut Suni Williams

Space agency flatly denies speculation about the Boeing Starliner crewmember’s ‘gaunt’ look, driven by recent photos.

Friday, November 08, 2024 at 03:36 PM ET

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NASA astronaut and Boeing Starliner crewmember Suni Williams installs life support hardware on the International Space Station in August. [Courtesy: NASA Johnson Space Center]

Key Takeaways:

NASA has denied media speculation that International Space Station (ISS) astronaut Suni Williams is experiencing health concerns, despite reports citing a "gaunt" appearance.
Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore are on an extended mission aboard the ISS until February due to unresolved issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
NASA states that all ISS astronauts are routinely monitored, in good health, and that some weight loss is a normal physiological response during long-duration spaceflight.
The agency confirmed that astronauts have ample supplies and continuous medical support, with both Williams and Wilmore being veterans of long space missions.

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No, International Space Station (ISS) astronaut Suni Williams does not face “health concerns,” NASA said in response to media speculation.

Articles from the Daily Mail and New York Post, citing a pulmonologist and medical analyst, characterize the Boeing Starliner astronaut’s appearance in recent photos as “gaunt.” But the space agency told FLYING that Williams—along with the rest of the ISS crew—is just fine.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.