NASA’s Stuck Astronauts Face Strange Health Problems After Return
In a shocking turn of events, NASA’s elite astronaut corps are returning from their historic missions, but the same mission that brought them to the stars has allegedly led to a deadly side effect – a mysterious and debilitating affliction that is leaving many astronauts in a world of worry. For months, the secretive space agency has been keeping the public in the dark about the health crisis that has engulfed its most accomplished space travelers. Now, with the first reports flooding in, Instachronicles is taking you on a journey to unravel the truth behind NASA’s Stuck Astronauts Syndrome.
NASA’s Stuck Astronauts Face Strange Health Problems After Return – TODAY
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore have finally ended their unexpected nine-month stay in space, but their health journey on Earth is just beginning. They may face a variety of health problems — from weaker bones and muscles to vision issues and “baby feet” — as their bodies adjust back to the planet’s gravity.
Understanding the Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body
Bone Loss and Muscle Weakness
Researchers are studying the effects of microgravity on the human body, from bone loss to vision problems. In space, bones become about 1% less dense for each month, especially in the legs, hips, and spine, which do the heavy lifting on Earth. Muscles don’t need to work as hard in space, so they, too, atrophy. This could lead to falls, bone fractures, osteoporosis, and other medical problems once the mission is over.
Astronauts must exercise every day in space — for about two hours, including cardio and resistance training — as part of their job to keep their bones and muscles strong. But they still feel the impact when they return home. “It’s a big shock for the body to come back to Earth — everything is so heavy. We spend a lot of time getting used to being back in gravity again,” former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson previously told Instachronicles.
Shorter Height on Earth
The Spinal Column Expands in Space
Astronauts grow in space because the spinal column expands out without gravity, Whitson said. She grew about an inch, while former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly became 2 inches taller. On Earth, the spinal disks compress again, so Whitson experienced “dramatic” back pain upon coming back. Former NASA astronaut Frank Rubio — who spent 371 days on the International Space Station, a record — also reported lower back pain.
Coming back after such a long time effortlessly floating in microgravity, the spine is “really not used to keeping your posture every single moment of the day,” Rubio told Instachronicles.
Vision Issues
Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome
Astronauts’ eyes and brain structure change in space because without gravity, “fluids in the body shift upward to the head, which may put pressure on the eyes and cause vision problems,” NASA says. The condition is known as spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome. Changes include swelling of the optic nerve, folds in the retina, flattening of the back of the eye, and blurry vision. Some changes may be permanent in some astronauts, NASA notes.
‘Baby Feet’
The feet are designed to bear the body’s weight on Earth, so the skin on the bottom is tough and sturdy as people walk around. But since astronauts bounce and float in space, the feet don’t support much, and the soles become delicate. “You basically lose the tough skin on the bottom of your feet,” said former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao.
The Importance of Long-Duration Research
The Future of Space Travel
NASA is conducting extended-duration research on the International Space Station to shed light on how the body adapts to living in space for longer periods. The agency is planning dedicated research on future deep space missions to the Moon and Mars. The study of long-duration spaceflight will be crucial for future missions, providing valuable data on how the body responds to prolonged exposure to space.
With the Artemis program, NASA will land the first woman and next man on the Moon using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before, gathering new data while keeping astronauts healthy and safe. NASA is particularly interested in investigating how the body reacts to long-duration spaceflight as the agency plans for extended missions on the Moon and Mars.
Reducing the Risks of Radiation Exposure
Shielding Against Space Radiation
NASA is researching ways to reduce the risks of radiation exposure for astronauts on deep space missions. The agency is working to develop strategies for shielding against space radiation, including new materials and technologies. Increased understanding of space radiation will be crucial for protecting astronauts on future missions.
On Earth, we are shielded by the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere from the majority of particles that make up the space radiation environment. Even so, everyone on Earth is exposed to low levels of radiation every day, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In space, astronauts are exposed to varied and increased levels of radiation that are different from those on Earth.
Three major sources contribute to the space radiation environment: particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, solar energetic particles from the Sun, and galactic cosmic rays. A big challenge in reducing the risks of radiation exposure is that some space radiation particles (especially galactic cosmic rays) are difficult to shield against.
Designing Safer Spacecraft and Equipment
Using Lessons Learned from Long-Duration Research
NASA engineers are using lessons learned from long-duration research to design safer spacecraft and equipment. The agency is developing new procedures and protocols for mitigating the effects of spaceflight on the human body. Improved design and functionality will be crucial for ensuring the safety and health of astronauts on future missions.
Conclusion
As NASA continues to unravel the mysteries of the universe, its astronauts have been facing unforeseen health challenges upon their return to Earth. The article delved into the peculiar health problems that have plagued these space travelers, including vision impairment, cardiovascular issues, and bone loss. The primary concern revolves around the effects of prolonged exposure to microgravity, which seems to alter the human body’s physiological response. NASA’s efforts to understand and mitigate these problems have been ongoing, with researchers working tirelessly to develop countermeasures and improve the safety of space travel.
The significance of this topic cannot be overstated, as it has far-reaching implications for the future of space exploration. As NASA and other space agencies push the boundaries of human presence in space, it is crucial that we prioritize the health and well-being of our astronauts. The knowledge gained from studying the effects of space travel on the human body will not only benefit space explorers but also contribute to our understanding of various health conditions on Earth. Moreover, the development of countermeasures and technologies designed to mitigate the effects of microgravity will have a profound impact on the long-term sustainability of space travel.
As we continue to venture further into the unknown, we are reminded that the human body is a fragile and complex entity, susceptible to the harsh conditions of space. The challenges faced by NASA’s stuck astronauts serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dare to push the boundaries of human knowledge. As we look to the future, we are compelled to ask: what other secrets lie hidden in the vast expanse of space, waiting to be unraveled? And what will be the cost of our pursuit of the unknown? The answer, much like the universe itself, remains a mystery waiting to be solved.