Prolonged spaceflight causes significant body changes

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are returning home after spending nine unexpected months in space. Their long stay raises questions about the effects of space on the human body. In space, without gravity, the body experiences notable changes. For example, astronauts can actually grow taller temporarily. Peggy Whitson, an astronaut who spent 675 days in space, said she grew half an inch due to her spine relaxing. However, this height gain disappears quickly once they return to Earth. Muscles and bones also weaken in space. Astronauts lose about 1% of their bone mass each month if they don’t exercise. To prevent this, they use resistance exercise devices, working out for about 45 minutes to an hour each day. This is crucial to maintain their physical health. Vision changes can occur too. Some astronauts face a condition called Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome. It may happen because fluids in the body shift towards the head, increasing pressure around the eyes and affecting vision. Many astronauts notice these changes reverse after they return to Earth. The heart and circulatory system are also affected. In microgravity, the heart does not pump blood as hard, which can lead to problems. The risk of cardiovascular issues may increase along with exposure to radiation. The immune system is compromised in space as well. Factors like stress and radiation can weaken how the body responds to infections. Studies show that T-cells, which fight off infections, do not work as effectively in microgravity. Overall, life in space poses unique challenges to astronauts’ health, requiring careful management and exercise to mitigate negative effects.