In the sixty years since Yuri Gagarin was first sent into space by the Soviet Union in 1961, there have been several space-related disasters. Sending humans into space is inherently a high-risk activity, requiring thorough preparation and preventative measures. The complexity of space travel necessitates constant vigilance and improvement in safety protocols.
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03-20, 2025To allow astronauts to adapt to the microgravity environment of space, they need to participate in rigorous training and simulations to acclimatize their bodies to zero gravity and weightlessness. The duration of time spent in space can affect blood pressure, spatial orientation, balance, hand-eye coordination, and even bone density; therefore, the health and safety of astronauts is of paramount importance. Continuous monitoring and personalized training regimens are crucial for mitigating these effects.
On June 5th of last year, two American astronauts traveled to the International Space Station on a test mission, and this morning they returned to Earth aboard a spacecraft, breathing fresh air once again. Live footage from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) showed that the SpaceX spacecraft splashed down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida, slightly before 9 p.m. The successful return marked the end of a long and challenging mission.
SpaceX ground control personnel cheered as the spacecraft landed. Ground control told the four astronauts aboard the ship, "On behalf of SpaceX, welcome home." Spacecraft commander Nick Hague stated that the crew members all had "huge smiles" on their faces. Their safe return was a testament to the dedication and expertise of the entire SpaceX team.
The mission's astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, had their week-long space trip extended to nine months, stranded on the International Space Station due to a malfunction with the Boeing rocket. The journey back to Earth from space took approximately 17 hours, and the astronauts had to wait about 30 minutes for rescue vessels to arrive. The extended duration of their stay highlighted the unpredictable nature of space travel.
Over the past nine months, Wilmore and Williams have faced the harsh reality that their bodies would slowly feel the effects of prolonged exposure to space. Although they were well-prepared, some side effects are unavoidable. So, what physical effects does prolonged exposure to a zero-gravity environment have on the body? Understanding these effects is critical for future long-duration space missions.
According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), prolonged exposure to an environment without Earth's gravity affects human bones. Zero gravity means that the bones in the lower body (legs, hips, spine) work much less. During spaceflight, weight-bearing bones lose an average of 1% to 1.5% of mineral density (bone mass) per month. This loss necessitates careful monitoring and intervention strategies.
Low bone mineral density leads to an increased risk of fractures. If too much is lost, there is a risk of developing osteoporosis. Astronauts in space also face reduced blood volume and may experience an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmia. In addition, astronauts may experience disorientation, space motion sickness, and loss of sense of direction because the brain sends altered messages to the muscles and internal organs. For safety reasons, returning astronauts are typically placed in chairs to help them recover immediately upon arrival on Earth. These measures are essential for a smooth transition back to Earth's gravity.
There are also visual side effects that occur in space. Astronauts may experience vision changes, including Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which causes swelling behind the eyes. Astronauts may also notice a decrease in muscle mass, so astronauts in space perform resistance exercises to simulate weightlifting to maintain strength in their arms and legs. NASA notes that astronauts report experiencing back pain during spaceflight. The gastrointestinal system is also affected in the absence of gravity. Gravity helps food move through the gastrointestinal tract, and without it, gastrointestinal motility slows down. Going to the bathroom in space is also a rather difficult and unpleasant task. These physiological challenges require innovative solutions for long-term space habitation.
Teeth are also bones. Therefore, astronauts also experience bone loss in their teeth. NASA requires potential astronauts to undergo oral screenings to avoid problems such as weakened dental fillings or dislodged crowns and bridges. In addition, astronauts are protected on Earth from harmful space radiation. However, astronauts are at risk of exposure to radiation beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). Protecting dental health is a crucial aspect of astronaut care during space missions.
Prolonged exposure to radiation can lead to diseases such as degenerative diseases or cancer. The spacecraft's outer shell can protect astronauts from radiation. NASA states in its report "Space Travel: The Radiation Challenge": "Currently, the main operational countermeasure to address the adverse effects of radiation is to limit astronaut exposure, which means limiting the amount of time astronauts spend in space." Further research into radiation shielding and mitigation strategies is vital for future deep-space exploration.
Some of the effects of space travel begin to reverse upon returning to Earth, including vision changes and spatial orientation, but some effects are permanent. Cognitive abilities take time to readjust when re-adapting to Earth's gravity. Scientific studies have found that bone density may take a long time to return to normal, or may never return to normal. Dr. Steven Boyd, a professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary (UCalgary) and co-author of the study, said: "We see some astronauts having difficulty walking after spaceflight due to weakness and lack of balance, while others gleefully ride their bikes to meet us on the Johnson Space Center campus for research." Understanding the long-term consequences of space travel is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of astronauts.
Dr. Leigh Gabel, assistant professor at the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Calgary and lead author of the study, explained: "Bone loss happens to humans – we lose bone as we age, with injury or any situation where we can't move our bodies." Space exploration and prolonged stays in space can have adverse effects on astronauts' psychological health. Isolation, sleep disruption, and cognitive dysfunction can cause space travelers to feel irritable and emotional in space. NASA notes that this can have a negative psychological impact on its astronauts and is researching how to mitigate this risk. This includes having astronauts learn a language, researching the idea of providing them with a "space garden" to tend to, and providing virtual environments for exercise equipment. Addressing the psychological challenges of space travel is just as important as addressing the physical ones.
