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Butch Wilmore And Suni Williams May Face Health Changes After 9 Months In Space. Find Out What The Main Physical And Physiological Impacts Of Weightlessness Can Cause
After nine months on the International Space Station, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have finally returned to Earth. The mission, which was supposed to last only ten days, ended up extending for almost a year.
Now, both are facing the physical effects of a long stay in space. Spending so much time in microgravity causes several changes in the human body.
These changes in the human body range from temporary height increases to vision problems, loss of bone and muscle mass. NASA already has experience dealing with these consequences, but each mission brings new observations.
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Temporary Height Increase
One of the most curious changes is the increase in height. Without Earth’s gravity compressing the spine, the spinal discs expand. As a result, astronauts can grow up to five centimeters in space.
But this effect doesn’t last long. As soon as they return to Earth, the spine goes back to normal. Astronaut Scott Kelly, for example, lost his extra height in just two days. Wilmore and Williams are likely to undergo the same process.
Weaker Bones in Astronauts’ Bodies
The absence of gravity also affects the bones. In space, bones do not need to support the weight of the body. This causes a loss of density, especially in the hips and legs, resulting in significant reactions in the astronauts’ bodies.
According to NASA, astronauts lose between 1% and 1.5% of bone density per month in microgravity. This loss can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of fractures. After returning, recovery is gradual, but it can leave lasting effects.
Weakened Muscles
The weightless environment also causes muscle atrophy. Without the effort to move or maintain an upright body, muscles lose strength over time.
Shenhav Shemer, a biology professor at Technion in Israel, explained that the effect may be more pronounced in women, like Suni Williams. This occurs due to hormonal factors and lower muscle mass.
For this reason, NASA requires astronauts to exercise for at least two hours a day during missions. Stationary bikes and treadmills are used to mitigate the negative effects. According to the agency, without this, they would barely be able to walk upon returning to Earth.
Vision Problems
Another common effect is Space-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). This condition affects the vision of more than half of astronauts.
It is believed that changes in fluid distribution in the body increase pressure on the optic nerve. This can flatten the eyeball and swell the nerve, affecting vision and blood flow.
Despite the symptoms, there are no reports of permanent vision loss after space missions. Still, scientists continue to investigate the causes and ways to prevent it.
Less Efficient Heart
In the absence of gravity, the heart works less. It doesn’t need to pump blood against gravitational force, which can make it smaller and less efficient.
Upon returning, astronauts may experience low blood pressure and dizziness. These effects, however, are usually temporary. Studies show that, over time, the cardiovascular system recovers well. Some astronauts even show better heart health than the average population.
Compromised Balance in Astronauts’ Bodies
The vestibular system, which helps with balance, also suffers in space. Without a gravitational reference, astronauts’ bodies adapt to a new pattern of movement.
Upon returning to Earth, this readjustment causes instability and disorientation. Astronauts refer to this as “space legs.” It takes time for them to walk steadily again.
Radiation and Cancer Risk
Out of Earth’s atmospheric protection, astronauts are more exposed to radiation. This increases the risk of cancer.
NASA monitors this exposure with specific equipment, like dosimeters, and sets limits. The goal is to keep this risk no more than 3% above what a normal person would face on Earth.
Changes in the Human Body: The Little Things
Even with so many studies, not everything is predictable. Some changes in the human body only emerge over time, and each astronaut reacts differently.
Matthew Dominick, who also spent months at the Space Station, commented that small everyday things become challenges. “The big things you expect, right? Getting disoriented. Feeling dizzy. But the little things, like sitting in a hard chair, right? My back hasn’t sat on something hard for 235 days.”
Jeanette Epps, a fellow mission astronaut, echoed this sentiment. “Everyone is different. And that’s the part you can’t predict. A problem that Matt might have, I may not have, but I may have several things that he doesn’t. And then, we did different experiments on board. So we don’t know how we will respond when we return and how quickly. And each day is better than the last.”
Despite the challenges, the astronauts have returned and are undergoing an intense readaptation phase. Wilmore and Williams now face the challenge of resuming their Earthly routine after nine months floating in space. Their experience will help NASA better understand the effects of space and changes in the human body — and prepare for future long-duration missions.
With information from New York Post.
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