NASA astronauts facing 'life-altering' risks in space. Here's what can happen to them if they remain stranded

NASA astronauts Barry 'Butch' Wilmore and Sunita Williams - whose stay seems to be extended far beyond what was actually planned - seem to be facing 'life-altering' risks while remaining stranded on the International Space Station(ISS) till 2025, as per the experts.

Boeing's faulty Starliner carried the astronauts to the ISS in June for a trip which was to last for just days but the technical glitch in the aircraft has now created a situation in which these astronauts are not likely to come home until next year.

Here's how space sojourn is deteriorating the health of astronauts

According to the studies, if the astronauts remain in space for a long time it can lead to bone density loss, vision problems, intense radiation exposure, muscle atrophy and other health issues.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, an expert said, "The longer you're [in space], the bigger the change." The experts further said that there are high chance the bodies of the two astronauts will start deteriorating.

Also Read:Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore may be stuck in space this summer due to technical problems in Boeing capsule

"Generally, almost all of the changes that we see with human spaceflight in terms of physiology seem to be dose-dependent," said Rachael Seidler, a professor of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University ofFlorida, while speaking to DailyMail.com.

"The longer you're there, the bigger the change - at least up to a point," Seidler added.

There is 90 per cent gravity in comparison to the gravity on Earth. "Astronauts experience accelerated bone loss at an alarming rate - about 12 times faster than severe osteoporosis on Earth," said Kyle Zagrodzky, founder and CEO of Bone Health Clinic, while speaking to Newsweek.

"Osteoporosis increases fracture risk, often leading to life-altering injuries. Hip fractures pose a grave concern, as they can strip away independence and increase mortality risk," he added.

Watch:Boeing Curse: Sunita Williams' return to earth pushed to 2025?

The astronauts lose around 50 per cent of their muscle mass and change the shape of their hearts as well as the way they function.

The astronauts stand a chance of suffering from loss of muscle, bone, and cardio capacity, vision and cognition problems, and also kidney stones.

The astronauts also get exposed to a year's worth of radiation every day in space which increases the chances of cancer later in life. These risks make it impertinent for the astronauts to return back to Earth as soon as possible.

(With inputs from agencies)