How Does Space Travel Effect The Human Body?

SHORT TERM...

Blood circulation

On Earth the system circulates fluids through the body, working against gravity to stop blood from pooling in the legs, and bringing blood to the brain. in space the system doesn't work as hard, triggering a fluid shift. astronauts experience puffy faces, headaches nasal congestion and skinny legs as a result.

Space sickness

Almost 40 percent of astronauts in space experience some sort of motion sickness. Along with vomiting, headaches and nausea. Caused in part by the blood circulation changes described above. this usually subsides within 3-4 days of being in space.

Lack of cleanliness

Water is carefully conserved in space because the crew must carry all of there supplies with them on the long journey into space. this makes keeping clean a challenge. astronauts will have moist towelettes for daily scrubbing and will only be able to shower rarely.

LONG TERM

Bone loss

Weightlessness trigures the human body to excrete calcium and phosphorus (in urine and feces)

resulting in rapid bone loss. in the time it takes to get to space and back, a crew members bone density loss will be equivalent to the time on earth. 

Radiation

Astronauts in space experience flashes of light

that appears behind their eyelids. whats happening

is the cosmic rays are slashing through their brains-

retinal flashes are merely a physiological marker. 

 

BY ISABELLA GREEN (: