(CLO) When astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on March 18 after nearly nine months in space, their bodies had changed in surprising and remarkable ways.
The SpaceX spacecraft passed through the atmosphere before parachuting and landing safely on the Florida coast at 5:57 p.m. ET on March 18. On the ground, support crews cheered as the ship floated steadily over the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, marking the end of a 17-hour journey from space to Earth.
Wilmore and Williams did not expect to stay on the International Space Station for so long. Their trip was originally scheduled to last about eight days. After Wilmore and Williams returned to Earth, NASA doctors said they were in "excellent" health, according to Dr. Joe Dervay, one of NASA's flight surgeons.
Crew9 crew returns to Earth on SpaceX Dragon spacecraft (source: NASA) X
Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of being in space. Most health problems are temporary and gradually disappear after astronauts return to Earth and undergo rehabilitation exercises. “Although the speed of recovery varies, it’s impressive to see how quickly they adapt,” says Dr. Dervay.
Microgravity is responsible for many of these changes. Without the pull of Earth’s gravity, astronauts can lose bone density and their muscles can atrophy. This can affect coordination, balance, or cause motion sickness. Microgravity can also weaken astronauts’ immune systems, cardiovascular systems, eyesight, and affect their DNA.
NASA leaders, however, are not concerned about their health. “We don’t see any need for any special precautions,” said Dina Contella, associate administrator of NASA’s International Space Station Program. “Like all astronauts, they will need some acclimation time upon return, depending on the individual.”
Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on March 18 after nearly nine months in space. Photo: NASA
Musculoskeletal degeneration in space
Without the pull of gravity, astronauts’ bodies can experience muscle and bone loss. NASA has found that in less than two weeks, astronauts’ muscle fibers can shrink by a third. A month in space can also cause astronauts to lose up to 1.5% of their bone mass. This can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures, although more research is needed to understand the long-term effects.
To mitigate these issues, astronauts follow a special diet and exercise for about two and a half hours a day, using treadmills, stationary bikes, and resistance exercise equipment that simulates weight lifting. “We try to maintain strong bones and muscles to minimize the effects of microgravity,” says Dervay.
Increase height
One of the interesting effects of microgravity is that astronauts can grow taller in space. Their spines stretch out in the absence of gravity, making them a few centimeters taller. For example, astronaut Kate Rubins grew from 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches in space. When they return to Earth, gravity causes them to return to their normal height.
Fluid and vision problems
Astronauts' body fluids also disperse in the absence of gravity, which can lead to "chicken feet," "swollen head," or "puffy face." These problems usually go away after a few days on Earth.
Fluid movement can also cause problems with the back and discs. Additionally, some astronauts experience vision problems, known as Neuro-Oculomotor Syndrome, due to changes in fluid distribution.
Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were brought home with an American astronaut and a Russian cosmonaut. Photo: NASA
Impact on immune system and DNA
The changes in space can also weaken astronauts' immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections. In addition, cosmic radiation can damage DNA and increase the lifetime risk of cancer.
A study comparing the DNA of astronaut Scott Kelly and his twin brother, Mark Kelly, found some chemical changes in their DNA, but these changes returned to normal when they returned to Earth.
Recovery and adaptation
After returning to Earth, astronauts will undergo rehabilitation exercises to restore bone and muscle density and improve coordination, which will help them adjust more easily to the microgravity environment. Williams and Wilmore both said they saw a rapid physical recovery after returning.
In addition to the physical changes, astronauts also experience profound psychological effects. Seeing the Earth from space makes them feel a strong connection to each other and the world around them. Some describe seeing the Earth from space as a deeply philosophical experience, changing their perspective on life and human relationships.
Hoai Phuong (according to Space, NASA, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/co-the-phi-hanh-gia-thay-doi-the-nao-sau-khi-mac-ket-9-thang-ngoai-khong-gian-post339059.html
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