Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore are currently staying longer on the International Space Station (ISS). NASA has extended their mission until February 2025 due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner crew capsule, which was initially scheduled to return them to Earth. They are now set to return in a SpaceX crew capsule launching in September 2024.
Space environments, especially microgravity, have multiple effects on human physiology. These effects include:
The symptoms astronauts face in space stem mainly from microgravity, radiation exposure, and the confined environment of spacecraft. The duration of the mission significantly influences these effects; longer missions lead to more pronounced health issues. To counteract these impacts, astronauts adhere to strict exercise routines and maintain structured daily schedules while in space.
Despite significant research, our grasp of how spaceflight impacts human health remains incomplete. The limited number of astronauts and restricted studies lead researchers to caution against over-interpreting findings. There is still much to learn regarding which health effects are critical and how to manage them effectively.
“Space omics” is a term used to describe how space conditions influence biological processes at the molecular level. A notable example is NASA's Twins Study, which showed significant genetic alterations in one twin after a year in space compared to his Earth-bound sibling. Ongoing research in space omics seeks to unravel these changes and develop guidelines to safeguard astronaut health during long-duration missions.
By their return in February 2025, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will have spent a total of 240 days in space. Prolonged exposure to the unique conditions of space can amplify the effects of microgravity and radiation, potentially affecting their long-term health. Continuous monitoring and preventive measures are crucial to alleviate these risks.
Q1. Why are astronauts staying longer on the ISS?
Answer: NASA extended the stays of Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore on the ISS due to safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner, now planning their return in a SpaceX capsule.
Q2. What are the main effects of microgravity on astronauts?
Answer: Microgravity leads to weakened bones, muscle atrophy, slowed digestion, and changes in vision due to fluid shifts, among other health issues.
Q3. How does space omics contribute to astronaut health?
Answer: Space omics studies the molecular changes in astronauts, helping to understand health impacts and develop protective measures for long-duration missions.
Q4. What preventive measures do astronauts take during missions?
Answer: Astronauts follow strict exercise routines and structured schedules to mitigate the negative health impacts of microgravity and radiation exposure.
Q5. What challenges exist in studying space's effects on humans?
Answer: The limited number of astronauts and studies makes it difficult to draw comprehensive conclusions about health effects and management strategies.
Question 1: What is the primary reason for extending Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's stay on the ISS?
A) Technical malfunction of the SpaceX capsule
B) Safety concerns with the Boeing Starliner
C) Personal choice of the astronauts
D) Research opportunities on ISS
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is "space omics"?
A) Study of space weather
B) Study of molecular effects of space conditions
C) Research on space travel history
D) Analysis of space missions' costs
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How long will Williams and Wilmore spend in space?
A) 120 days
B) 180 days
C) 240 days
D) 300 days
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What significant changes can occur to the human body in microgravity?
A) Stronger bones
B) Increased muscle mass
C) Weakened bones and muscle atrophy
D) Enhanced vision
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is one effect of prolonged space travel on the heart?
A) It becomes larger
B) It shrinks
C) It beats faster
D) It stops working
Correct Answer: B
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