NASA is facing rising concerns about the health of astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore, who have been held up on the International Space Station (ISS) for significantly longer than expected.

Astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her colleagues Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague and Don Pettit, cast their votes for the U.S. election from the International Space Station. On Tuesday, Hague shared an Instagram post showing the group in patriotic socks,

Although Williams and Wilmore have maintained a positive public image, a recent photo suggests otherwise, according to Dr. Vinay Gupta, a pulmonologist and expert from Seattle. Dr. Gupta told DailyMail.com, “The picture shows someone who is likely experiencing the stresses of extended stays at high altitudes, even in a pressurized cabin.”

Amid public concern, NASA said the Starliner astronauts and the other five spacefarers living in orbit "undergo routine medical evaluations."

Williams was supposed to spend eight days in space, but her Boeing Starliner spacecraft faced some technical issues and delayed her return to Earth until February 2025.

Astronaut Sunita Williams has lost significant weight during her extended mission aboard the ISS. Now, NASA is focusing on stabilising her weight after technical issues delayed her return, but reassures that routine medical checks are in place.