What changes when Astronauts enter Space?

The mechanics and physiology of the human body is complex, and it’s still being explored. There are multiple existing factors that affect the body’s physiology such as how blood circulates in our bodies, how food is digested or how a person sits affects their posture. When the environment and the atmosphere that we live in and breathe changes, it alters the normal mechanics for space travelers and explorers once they leave the Earth’s atmosphere.

Since humans have been evolving on Earth for millennia, our bodies have changed to excel in a gravity environment while being protected by the atmosphere of our planet. However, those commonplace components are removed in outer space, and the body’s various systems adjust as a result.

Now let’s talk about what exactly happens when astronauts travel to deeper space and enter microgravity.

· Firstly, the biggest and an obvious change is ‘Fluid shift’ in the body. Normally, on Earth, due to the pull of gravity, the circulation keeps on going and hence there is more stability and balance. However, in zero gravity, the fluid shifts up, towards chest and head leading to circulatory system issues and changes in vision. There could also be increased pressure in the head which is extremely dangerous.

· Due to the fluid shift, another issue that is commonly experienced by astronauts is ‘Orthostatic Intolerance/Hypotension’ — getting up suddenly after lying down for a while and the individual experiences light-headedness. This is because return of blood to heart is compromised and to counter this issue, the heart will start beating fast. And in case the body and heart cannot compensate, the person passes out. So, it is important to ensure and learn how to prevent this through various exercises.

· Another big change that is experienced by astronauts who are a part of a long space journey, is bone and muscle loss. Normally, on Earth, while simply walking and carrying out daily tasks against gravity, the bones and muscles remain intact. But without gravitational pull there is mineral loss and reduced density of bones as well as wasting or atrophy (reduced size) of the muscle.

· A serious issue that is faced by space travelers when they leave Earth’s atmosphere is exposure to radiation. On Earth, we are shielded against this radiation due to the magnetic field all around the planet. Radiation is proven to be carcinogenic and can easily damage the skin and eyes.

There are certainly other physiological effects that must be occurring when astronauts spend time in outer space. However, there is more research that has been taking place at various space agencies, primarily at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ESA (European Space Agency) to identify these physiological changes.

Currently, at the NASA Johnson’s center, where human spaceflight training and research is conducted, they are working towards designing an exercise protocol that can combat and prevent the said issues. Apart from that, they are also creating a simulation for radiation exposure using particle accelerator to understand exactly what materials should be incorporated in space suit and shuttle in order to prevent harmful effects of radiation.

Exercise plays a huge role in ensuring a healthy space journey for astronauts and this is overlooked by Physiotherapists and Sports Scientist. The next blog will talk more about their roles and which exercises are essential and protocols that must be followed.

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