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NASA wants to understand the effects of zero gravity on the human body for future long-duration space missions and how it could impact astronauts traveling to Mars.
NASA, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), is recruiting volunteers for an unusual experiment: lying down for 70 consecutive days. The goal of the study is to simulate the effects of microgravity on the human body, helping to develop countermeasures to protect astronauts on future space missions. As compensation, participants will receive US$18.000 (approximately R$90.000).
How the NASA experiment works
NASA research volunteers will be required to lie upside down at a 6-degree angle, mimicking the redistribution of body fluids that occurs in space. During this time, they will perform all daily activities, including eating, bathing and even exercising, without moving from this position. The study will be conducted in facilities from ESA in Germany.
To ensure that the results are valid, NASA has established strict criteria for selecting participants:
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- Age: between 24 and 55 years old;
- Height: between 1,53m and 1,90m;
- Good health and non-smokers;
- Fluency in German (since the tests take place in Germany).
Researchers hope the data collected will help reduce muscle and bone loss in astronauts in zero gravity, making long-duration missions, such as a possible trip to Mars, safer.
Why does NASA pay people to lie down?
Microgravity significantly affects the human body, causing problems such as muscle atrophy, loss of bone density, circulatory difficulties and fluid redistribution. To mitigate these impacts, scientists need to better understand the adaptations of the human body to long periods without gravity.
NASA's microgravity study could also bring benefits to medicine on Earth. The results could be applied to treatments for patients who are bedridden for long periods, helping to prevent complications from prolonged immobilization.
Importance of the study for future space missions
With NASA planning manned missions to the Moon and eventually Mars, understanding the effects of microgravity on the human body is essential. Extended space travel can last years, and ensuring that astronauts maintain their health and fitness is a priority for space agencies.
Previous studies have already shown that prolonged stay in space can cause a reduction in bone and muscle mass of up to 2% per month. Developing new strategies to minimize these impacts will be essential for the success of future missions.
