NASA Astronaut Suni Williams Shouldn't Be Compelled to Address Her Weight to Debunk Tabloid Speculations
Soaring in a weightless realm at a distance of 250 miles from Earth's surface, Suni Williams hasn't been exempt from salacious commentaries about her physique. This has prompted the esteemed NASA astronaut to release a public announcement, affirming her flawless health and consistent weight since her entry into the International Space Station (ISS) in June.
Ergent speculations about Williams swirled around her appearance, following news reports that stirred concerns. Responsively, Williams affirmatively stated that her health remains unscathed and her weight remains consistent since ascending to the ISS. Though the chatter surrounding Williams was fueled by her extended time in space, it also underscored the media's preoccupation with the looks of female astronauts, and the assumption that space poses a greater challenge for women.
Together with NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore, Williams embarked on a journey to the ISS on June 5, embarking on the first crewed voyage of Boeing's Starliner. Unfortunately, the spacecraft encountered several setbacks during its tenure at the ISS. Five of its thrusters malfunctioned and five helium leaks arose, one of which was detected prior to takeoff. Ultimately, NASA opted to divert an uncrewed Starliner to return its crew aboard SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft, leading to an extended stay on board the space station for Williams and Wilmore.
Consequently, the plight of the stranded astronauts caught the media's attention.
A recent image of Williams triggered headlines in The New York Post and The Daily Mail, prompting discussions about her well-being. These publications alleged that she had shed pounds, describing her appearance as " gaunt."
During a recent interview with the New England Sports Network, Williams debunked such assumptions, assuring the public that her weight remained unchanged. She also divulged her exercise regimen on the ISS, including cycling on an exercise bike and lifting weights, which might have equated to minor physical alterations.
"I can definitely attest that weightlifting, which is not an everyday routine for me, has indubitably transformed me," Williams elaborated during a live broadcast from the ISS. "My thighs have grown a tad larger, my behind a bit fuller."
Williams also alluded to the fluid shift phenomenon, which can cause an apparent increase in astronauts' head size due to the even distribution of bodily fluids in the weightless atmosphere.
Addressing these issues unavoidably highlights the media's inherent prejudice towards female astronauts. During her pioneering voyage into space, the first American woman, Sally Ride, encountered a barrage of sexist inquiries from curious reporters, including queries about her makeup and tears shed during training. NASA's early female astronauts endured comparable sexist comments from the media, which often integrated their marital status, height, and weight into news articles.
In contrast, Mastronarde's health and appearance aren't under scrutiny, nor is his weight analyzed in photographs. The Starliner crew consists of two diligent, seasoned astronauts who are well-equipped to endure the challenges posed by their extended stay on board the ISS, albeit suboptimal.
The discussion about Suni Williams' appearance in space has raised questions about the media's focus on female astronauts' physical appearances, often overlooking their achievements in science and technology, such as her voyage on the ISS. Despite the media speculation, future space missions aim to break these stereotypes, paving the way for a more inclusive and objectified portrayal of astronauts in space, both male and female.
The advancements in technology, particularly in spacecraft design, have significantly improved the living conditions and safety of astronauts during their missions, ensuring a healthier future for space exploration, irrespective of an individual's gender.
