Since Yuri Gagarin’s historic voyage into space in 1961, the journeying of humans into space has seen its share of tragedies. The nature of space travel presents inherent dangers, with rigorous training designed to acclimatise astronauts to microgravity. Despite this preparation, extended stays in space can adversely affect physical health, impacting blood pressure, balance, and even bone density.
Currently, two American astronauts, Barry ‘Butch’ Wilmore and Sunita Williams, are stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) following a June 2022 test mission. Originally, they anticipated returning after only eight days, but their situation has dragged on due to complications with the Boeing Starliner. Plans to rescue them were postponed when a SpaceX mission encountered technical issues. As of now, their return is pushed to February 2025, and they are experiencing the ongoing physiological effects of prolonged microgravity.
NASA highlights the risks of significant bone density loss during space missions, averaging 1 to 1.5 per cent per month, which raises concerns of osteoporosis. Changes in blood volume and arrhythmias are also common among astronauts in orbit. Additionally, the lack of gravity can cause disorientation and spatial awareness challenges, complicating even the simplest tasks.
The gastrointestinal system also suffers in space, with gravity aiding food movement. Daily life includes tackling the challenges of using facilities without gravity, and dental health can decline due to bone loss in teeth. Astronauts are also susceptible to harmful radiation beyond low Earth orbit, increasing their risk of cancer and other illnesses.
When astronauts return to Earth, some negative effects, such as vision changes, may reverse; however, not all consequences are so easily remedied. Cognitive functions can take time to readjust, and researchers have discovered varying recovery rates among astronauts. While some adapt quickly, others face considerable difficulty, including balance issues and bone density recovery.
Beyond physical health, astronauts also grapple with psychological hurdles during missions. Isolation and disrupted sleep can lead to emotional strain, prompting NASA to investigate ways to support mental wellbeing, such as providing virtual environments and engaging in hobbies like gardening.
Space travel, while an extraordinary achievement, presents numerous challenges and demands ongoing research to mitigate its risks and enhance the wellbeing of those venturing into the cosmos.