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The Impact of Spaceflight on the Human Body
Context:
On August 24, NASA announced that Boeing’s Starliner crew capsule, which had taken astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of its first crewed test flight, was deemed unsafe for their return journey.
More on News:
- NASA has extended their stay on the ISS until February 2025.
- Astronauts will return to Earth aboard a SpaceX crew capsule scheduled for launch in September 2024. Meanwhile, Boeing’s Starliner will return to Earth uncrewed.
Understanding Space
- The term broadly refers to the region beyond Earth’s atmosphere; its characteristics vary significantly from our planet’s surface.
- The Karman line, situated at 100 kilometres above sea level, is commonly used to define the boundary of space.
- Above this line, conditions transition from Earth-like to space-like, with differences in gravity and atmospheric pressure becoming increasingly pronounced.
- Astronauts aboard the ISS experience microgravity rather than zero gravity due to their continuous free-fall orbit around Earth.
Key Highlights:
- Long-duration missions can also affect astronauts’ mental health due to factors such as isolation, confinement, and the challenges of living in a confined space away from family and support systems.
- The “space omics” field, which includes studies like NASA’s Twins Study, aims to uncover genetic and biochemical changes resulting from spaceflight.
- Global research initiatives include Japan’s KAKENHI Program, Europe’s Space Omics Topical Team, and the U.S. Complement of Integrated Protocols for Human Exploration Research.
Effects of Space on the Human Body:
- Musculoskeletal System: In microgravity, bones lose density because the mechanical load they experience on Earth is significantly reduced. This can lead to osteoporosis-like conditions.
- Kidney Stones: The loss of bone mineral content may lead to increased calcium levels in the bloodstream, which can deposit in the kidneys, forming renal stones.
- Cardiovascular System: The heart works less efficiently in space, leading to decreased muscle mass and requiring adjustments upon return to Earth’s gravity.
- Digestive System: Reduced gravity can slow food movement in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to digestive issues, weight gain, and altered nutrient absorption.
- Neurological and Visual Effects: Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) affects up to 70% of long-duration space travellers.
- causing vision problems from fluid shifts in the head, while the brain struggles with balance and spatial orientation due to the lack of gravity.
- Radiation Exposure: The Van Allen radiation belts present a significant concern for astronauts. These belts, located above the Karman line, contain charged particles that can pose health risks.
Mitigating Space Effects:
- Space agencies continuously refine nutritional guidelines to support astronauts’ health and counteract the effects of microgravity on the body.
- Advances in medical technology, including portable devices for monitoring conditions like SANS, are being developed to enable timely interventions.
- Maintaining mental health is crucial. Agencies implement support systems to help astronauts manage stress and maintain morale.
Implications:
- With missions to the Moon and Mars approaching, addressing health issues related to long-duration space travel is becoming crucial.
- Space agencies from China, India, Japan, Russia, and the U.S. are planning permanent Moon stations and Mars missions, which will introduce new safety challenges.