Impressive records of famous astronauts
While performing space missions, some astronauts have set impressive records that have earned public admiration and respect.
What happens to an astronauts body after 9 months in space?
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams set off on a brief, 10-day mission to the International Space Station on June 5, 2024. But a thruster failure turned their journey into an unexpected odyssey that lasted 286 days. Their extended stay made them one of NASA’s longest-serving astronauts on a single mission.
So what exactly happens to the human body after spending nearly nine months in space? It turns out the effects are pretty amazing, and you don’t have to be a scientist to appreciate them. Here’s what happens when the human body is exposed to zero gravity for an extended period of time.
Body changes after 9 months living in space
- Changes in the immune system
- Uneven liquid distribution
- Increase height
- Visual impairment
- Changes in the heart
- Muscle atrophy
- Increased radiation exposure
- Decreased bone density
Changes in the immune system
Spending long periods in space weakens the immune system, making astronauts more susceptible to infections. Changes in immune cell function and reactivation of latent viruses are common, making it important to monitor astronaut health and develop treatments.
Uneven liquid distribution
On Earth, gravity pulls fluids downward, but in space, they shift toward the upper body, leading to a puffy face and a feeling similar to having a constant cold. This redistribution of fluids in the body can also increase pressure inside the skull, causing vision problems.
Increase height
Without gravity compressing the spine, astronauts can grow up to 3% taller in the first few days of weightlessness. The spine elongates as the pressure is reduced, but when they return to Earth, gravity returns them to their normal height within a few days.
Visual impairment
Astronauts can experience spaceflight-associated optic neuropathy, which causes vision problems during and after long missions. Fluid shifts can increase pressure on the optic nerve, leading to swelling and changes in the shape of the eyeball. While some effects are temporary, there are long-term vision concerns.
Changes in the heart
Without the need to fight gravity, the heart’s workload decreases, which can cause a loss of heart muscle mass. This can easily lead to low blood pressure and dizziness when astronauts return to Earth. Fortunately, most astronauts recover with proper rehabilitation over time.
Muscle atrophy
In microgravity, muscles don’t have to fight gravity, which leads to muscle atrophy. Astronauts can lose up to 20% of their muscle mass in just a few days if they don’t exercise regularly. To combat this, they exercise for about two hours a day using specialized equipment, but some muscle loss is inevitable. So rehabilitation is a must when they return to Earth.
Increased radiation exposure
Astronauts are exposed to higher levels of cosmic radiation when outside Earth's protective atmosphere, which increases the risk of cancer and potential cognitive impairment. Although the ISS provides some shielding, long-term missions still pose significant radiation risks.
Decreased bone density
Bones depend on gravity to maintain their strength. Without gravity, astronauts lose significant bone density, especially in their hips and legs. They lose about 1% of their bone mass each month, a much higher rate than older people on Earth. This makes astronauts more susceptible to fractures.
So, space travel is not only about exploring the galaxy but also about learning how the body reacts to extreme conditions.
How do astronauts breathe in space?
Engineers have had to come up with some unique ways to create oxygen in the vacuum of space. Here's how astronauts breathe in space.
How do NASA astronauts vote from space?
The US Presidential Election is one of the events that receives the attention of not only American citizens, but also the whole world.
Where does astronaut poop go?
The stunning meteor shower that streaks across the night sky may be caused by something more... organic. Next time you see a shooting star, know this: It could be astronaut poop.
How astronauts stay healthy and fit in space
Space has never been an easy place to live. Going into space and living in microgravity for long periods of time has many effects on the human body, from vision loss to fluid accumulation in the upper body.
All about iOS 26
Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.
Yoga exercises to treat insomnia
Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.
What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore
The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?
Healthy snacks that help you lose weight
Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.
What to do when you have trouble sleeping?
Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.
How to add a printer to Windows 10
Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.
The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet
Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.
How to get beautiful nails quickly
You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.
The best laptops for students in 2025
Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.
Ways to reduce the risk of birth defects in the fetus
Birth defects are something no one wants. Although they cannot be completely prevented, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of birth defects in your baby.
How to check RAM and check RAM errors on your computer with the highest accuracy rate
As you know, RAM is a very important hardware part in a computer, acting as memory to process data and is the factor that determines the speed of a laptop or PC. In the article below, WebTech360 will introduce you to some ways to check for RAM errors using software on Windows.
Top 5 best automatic home coffee makers
The automatic home coffee maker is a modern and professional product, bringing you and your family delicious cups of coffee with just a few quick steps.
Difference between regular TV and Smart TV
Smart TVs have really taken the world by storm. With so many great features and the ability to connect to the Internet, technology has changed the way we watch TV.
Why doesnt the freezer have a light but the refrigerator does?
Refrigerators are familiar appliances in families. Refrigerators usually have 2 compartments, the cool compartment is spacious and has a light that automatically turns on every time the user opens it, while the freezer compartment is narrow and has no light.
2 Ways to Fix Network Congestion That Slows Down Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi networks are affected by many factors beyond routers, bandwidth, and interference, but there are some smart ways to boost your network.