Credit: NASA & Adobe Stock
Bizarre Reason Astronaut Grew Two Inches Taller After 340 Days In Space
The bizarre reason an astronaut grew two inches taller after spending 340 days in space has been revealed.
After spending nearly a year on the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly returned to Earth measuring two inches taller than his identical twin brother, Mark.
His extended mission was designed to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body, an essential step toward preparing for future deep-space exploration.
Kelly’s mission set a record for the most time spent in space by an American astronaut.
His twin brother, Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, remained on Earth throughout the mission, providing researchers with an invaluable opportunity to compare the biological effects of spaceflight between genetically identical individuals.
By analyzing these differences, scientists aim to understand the potential genetic and physiological changes induced by prolonged exposure to microgravity and space radiation.
NASA and the National Space Biomedical Research Institute have identified several key areas of concern regarding the impact of extended space travel on the human body, per CNBC.
One major issue is bone density loss. As astronauts experience weightlessness, their bones are no longer subjected to the same stresses they would endure on Earth.
This lack of pressure leads to bone breakdown and calcium release, which increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, and kidney stone formation.
Muscle atrophy is another significant concern. Since movement in space requires little effort, astronauts use their leg and back muscles far less than they would on Earth.
Over time, these muscles can weaken, potentially leading to difficulties in mobility and an increased risk of injury upon return to normal gravity.
Similarly, the heart does not have to work as hard in space due to the reduced gravitational force.
Over time, this can result in a decrease in heart size, and there is concern that space radiation could impact blood vessel linings, potentially accelerating cardiovascular disease.
Microgravity also affects fluid distribution in the body.
Without gravity pulling fluids downward, astronauts often experience facial puffiness and reduced circulation in the lower extremities, causing their legs to appear smaller.
Additionally, changes in the inner ear’s function can lead to disorientation, space motion sickness, and balance issues both during the mission and upon return to Earth.
Astronauts frequently struggle with readjusting to normal gravity, experiencing dizziness and difficulty walking.
Another risk factor associated with long-term space travel is increased exposure to cosmic radiation.
This exposure is significantly higher than on Earth and has been linked to an elevated risk of cataracts and cancer.
Furthermore, the absence of a natural 24-hour day/night cycle disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm.
Upon returning to Earth, astronauts must readjust their internal clocks to the natural cycle of day and night, which can affect sleep patterns and overall health.
One of the most notable physical changes Kelly experienced was his increased height.
In space, the spinal disks are no longer compressed by gravity, allowing them to expand, and resulting in a temporary height increase.
However, this effect is reversed once the astronaut returns to Earth’s gravity, and Kelly’s height will likely return to its pre-mission measurement over time.
The astronaut’s extended stay in space provided scientists with crucial data about the physiological and genetic changes during prolonged spaceflight.
His mission will help shape future strategies for maintaining astronaut health during deep-space missions, including potential journeys to Mars.
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