Tiffany Solomon
October 21, 2016
ESS 102
Rough Draft
Long Term Space Flight The idea of space traveling for a long period of time may be an appealing idea to that of many. However, they fail to recognize that there are many disadvantages to long term space flight. In this paper, the effects of long term space flight will be discussed: how a microgravity environment affects the human body; what kinds of potential dangers are there in long term space travel; as well as what research is being done in finding solutions to address these disadvantages, and potential dangers. Long term space flight is already self-explanatory, a long space mission, what takes place during this travel is what is most intriguing. Being in space for a long time takes …show more content…
The first issue that of long term space travel is the zero gravity environment. Living in such an environment for a long period of time, increases the chances for health problems (Institution of Physics). For example, puffy face, dizziness, and bone decalcification are effects that zero gravity does to the human body. Bone loss is what is likely to have happen upon returning from a long term space flight. According to NASA, because of loss in minerals and density dropping over 1% a month, even after returning Earth, rehabilitation might not be a solution for correcting bone loss and thus leaves a greater risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. This calls for regular exercise and proper eating in order to gain “muscle strength, endurance, and experience cardiovascular deconditioning” (NASA). The zero gravity makes floating effortless, but also makes the fluids in the body shift up towards the head and leads to pressure on the eyes, and then causes vision problems. To add on, if the astronaut does not have a good intake of water, they’re more likely to develop kidney stones because of the dehydrations, which also increases the excretion of calcium, causing more bone loss (NASA). This goes to show how important it is for astronauts to have proper meals and daily exercise in order to lessen the effects of long term space flights. NASA researches that taking tests like “Functional task testing” and “Fine motor skills testing” is done in order to detect and minimize the effects of space, as well as to see the changes in the astronaut’s ability to interact with computer-based devices. Further research is taking place as to the distribution of body fluids, monitoring spinal ultrasounds, performing periodic fitness self-evaluation, as well as the effects of
October 21, 2016
ESS 102
Rough Draft
Long Term Space Flight The idea of space traveling for a long period of time may be an appealing idea to that of many. However, they fail to recognize that there are many disadvantages to long term space flight. In this paper, the effects of long term space flight will be discussed: how a microgravity environment affects the human body; what kinds of potential dangers are there in long term space travel; as well as what research is being done in finding solutions to address these disadvantages, and potential dangers. Long term space flight is already self-explanatory, a long space mission, what takes place during this travel is what is most intriguing. Being in space for a long time takes …show more content…
The first issue that of long term space travel is the zero gravity environment. Living in such an environment for a long period of time, increases the chances for health problems (Institution of Physics). For example, puffy face, dizziness, and bone decalcification are effects that zero gravity does to the human body. Bone loss is what is likely to have happen upon returning from a long term space flight. According to NASA, because of loss in minerals and density dropping over 1% a month, even after returning Earth, rehabilitation might not be a solution for correcting bone loss and thus leaves a greater risk of osteoporosis-related fractures. This calls for regular exercise and proper eating in order to gain “muscle strength, endurance, and experience cardiovascular deconditioning” (NASA). The zero gravity makes floating effortless, but also makes the fluids in the body shift up towards the head and leads to pressure on the eyes, and then causes vision problems. To add on, if the astronaut does not have a good intake of water, they’re more likely to develop kidney stones because of the dehydrations, which also increases the excretion of calcium, causing more bone loss (NASA). This goes to show how important it is for astronauts to have proper meals and daily exercise in order to lessen the effects of long term space flights. NASA researches that taking tests like “Functional task testing” and “Fine motor skills testing” is done in order to detect and minimize the effects of space, as well as to see the changes in the astronaut’s ability to interact with computer-based devices. Further research is taking place as to the distribution of body fluids, monitoring spinal ultrasounds, performing periodic fitness self-evaluation, as well as the effects of