Space travel may seem exciting and promising, but it comes with a multitude of challenges for the human body. Some of the ways it affects our body include vision changes, muscle and bone loss, fluid shifts, dehydration and kidney stones, heart and blood vessel changes, alterations to the gut microbiome, radiation exposure, sleep disruptions, mood changes, and immune system changes. NASA has conducted research to mitigate the adverse effects of space travel on the human body. Understanding these changes and finding solutions to overcome them is crucial for the safety and success of astronauts, especially as humans embark on longer-duration space missions.
10 Surprising Ways Space Travel Affects the Human Body
Space travel has always been a fascinating topic among scientists and enthusiasts alike. With the recent advancements in space exploration, humans have been able to explore planets, stars, and galaxies beyond our own. However, space travel doesn’t come without consequences. The human body goes through some significant changes when exposed to the conditions of space. Here are ten surprising ways space travel affects the human body.
1. Vision Changes
During spaceflight, astronauts experience increased pressure inside their heads and eyes, which can cause vision changes. These changes result from a reshaping of the eyeball, leading to farsightedness or nearsightedness, depending on the individual. Although the mechanism behind these changes is still not completely understood, NASA is conducting research to find ways to minimize these effects on astronauts.
2. Muscle and Bone Loss
Without gravity, the body does not need to bear its weight, resulting in muscle and bone loss. This effect is noticeable even in short-duration space flights, such as the International Space Station. Astronauts must engage in strict exercise regimens to combat this effect and maintain their muscles and bones’ health.
3. Fluid Shifts
In microgravity, the body’s fluids tend to shift towards the upper half of the body, leading to a distinct “puffy face” appearance. This shift can also cause swelling in the legs and other parts of the body. NASA has launched an extensive study to understand and minimize these effects on astronauts.
4. Dehydration and Kidney Stones
Without gravity, the body’s hydration system doesn’t work as efficiently as it does on Earth, leading to dehydration. Additionally, astronauts are at a higher risk for developing kidney stones due to an increase in calcium excretion in the urine.
5. Heart and Blood Vessel Changes
Spaceflight can cause the heart and blood vessels to change, leading to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can result in a lack of oxygen supply to the brain, leading to lightheadedness and fainting. NASA continually monitors these changes to ensure the astronauts’ safety during spaceflight.
6. Changes to the Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome refers to the microorganisms that live in our digestive tract, and space travel affects these microorganisms. Studies have found that the gut microbiome changes significantly during spaceflight, leading to digestive problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
7. Radiation Exposure
Beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field, astronauts are exposed to high levels of radiation from cosmic rays and solar flares. This exposure can cause damage to the body’s cells and DNA, leading to an increased risk of cancer and other diseases. NASA has developed protective measures for astronauts, such as shielding and monitoring radiation exposure levels.
8. Sleep Disruptions
In the absence of a day and night cycle, the body’s circadian rhythm can become disrupted, leading to sleep problems. Astronauts must follow a strict sleep schedule that aligns with the designated mission time to ensure they get enough rest.
9. Mood Changes
Space travel can cause mood changes and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. The isolation, confinement, and unfamiliar environment can take a toll on an astronaut’s mental health. NASA provides psychological support to astronauts during spaceflight and upon return to Earth.
10. Immune System Changes
Studies have found that the immune system changes significantly during spaceflight. These changes can lead to decreased immune function, increasing the chances of infections and illnesses during and after spaceflight. NASA is researching ways to minimize the effects of spaceflight on the immune system.
Conclusion
Space travel is a remarkable achievement for humanity, but it comes with significant challenges for the human body. NASA has conducted extensive research to understand and minimize these effects, making space travel safer and more feasible for astronauts. As humanity embarks on longer-duration space missions, understanding how space travel affects the human body will become increasingly important for the success of space exploration.