Mars, the Moon: are projects such as Space X convincing you? Do you already see yourself surveying the vast Universe? You should know that your extraterrestrial peregrinations will have an impact on your body. Going to space isn't like going to the Bahamas. Find out what it will cost you.
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To infinity and beyond
In the Galaxy, there's no gravity, silence is deadly and it's constantly dark. Nevertheless, Space is becoming increasingly fascinating, so much so that many civilians dream of becoming astronauts. But as NASA makes clear in its bioastronomy data book, this requires a certain amount of preparation, as the effects on the body are so numerous.
What are the effects on the body?
Effects on the body, of course, but we shouldn't forget the effects on the mind either. After all, it takes 73 hours to reach the Moon, or 3 days in the confines of a rocket!
Muscles and bones
Because gravity is so weak (microgravity), muscles and bones that no longer have to bear the weight of the body tend to atrophy and lose density. Muscular resistance exercises are essential to counteract this effect.
Traffic
Again, with the loss of gravity, body fluids are distributed differently than on Earth. Worse still, they tend to move upwards, causing swelling of the face and constant cranial pressure. Such pressure can have a detrimental effect on the ocular system, permanently altering eyesight.
Skin
In space, you're more easily exposed to radiation, which on long missions has an impact on your general state of health.
Nails
Clothing, which is necessary to breathe and stay alive, creates pressure on certain areas of the body, particularly on the hands via gloves. Muscle fatigue, abrasions and sometimes onycholysis can occur. Onycholysis is a medical condition that causes the nail to detach from its bed.
You've been warned!
While in space, the zero gravity conditions can effect your body. Such changes include bone and muscle loss, vision impairment, as well as mental function. These effects are still being studied by astronauts on the ISS. #Comm2000spring2023pic.twitter.com/ApjEUO7HgI
— David Hajian (@HajianDavid) February 22, 2023
Read more:
⋙ Study reveals how astronauts' sex drive is affected when they travel to space
⋙ Moon landing: The astronauts left an unexpected trace of their achievement
⋙ Do aliens really exist? An astronaut from the European Space Agency answers in new interview
⋙ NASA: This is how much an astronaut earns each month
⋙ NASA's strange way to save astronauts that get lost in space
This article has been translated from Gentside FR.
