Astronaut Sunita Williams has gone to space through the first flight of Boeing Starliner. But due to a malfunction in the spacecraft they are unable to return. Currently she is in the International Space Station. She is safe here. But still, being an astronaut comes with many dangers.
Stuck in Space
Astronaut Sunita Williams is stuck in space with her partner Barry Wilmore. Initially her mission was to last for 8 days. But due to a malfunction in the spacecraft he could not return. This spacecraft was launched on June 5. This was the first flight of the Boeing Starliner. The return mission was postponed due to a helium leak and thrust-er failure. Sunita is currently in the International Space Station. But it is not that she is completely safe here. Let's find out what threatens them?
This Threatens life of Astronauts
When astronauts go to space, the environment is completely different from Earth. The micro-gravity, radiation hazards, and confined quarters of space stations present unique challenges to human health. Staying on the space station for a long period of time poses a great risk. One of the immediate changes astronauts experience in space is fluid redistribution.In the absence of gravity, bodily fluids begin to pool in the upper body, causing facial swelling, nasal congestion, and fluid loss in the legs. This can reduce blood volume and lead to disturbances in blood pressure.
What is the effect?
Its effect is visible upon returning to Earth. Astronauts feel dizzy or faint after standing for some time. Although Suniti Williams is not different, this happens with every astronaut who goes to space. Micro-gravity also has effects on the musculoskeletal system. Astronauts' muscles become particularly weak in the legs and back due to the lack of gravity requiring muscle support.This causes significant bone loss, especially in weight-bearing bones like the spine and pelvis. The lack of mechanical stress leads to a loss of bone density similar to osteoporosis.
Astronauts exercise in space
To combat these effects, astronauts on the space station exercise. But still the bones get damaged to some extent. Changes in fluid distribution affect the urinary system, increasing the risk of kidney stones due to high levels of calcium in the urine. Metabolism is affected by micro-gravity,Which changes the way the body absorbs and uses nutrients. Changes in hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, and the composition of gut microbiota have been observed, potentially affecting long-term health.
Cancer risk in space
Astronauts are exposed to higher levels of radiation than on Earth. This includes galactic cosmic rays and solar particles. These pose a risk of DNA damage and increased chances of cancer. Space agencies carefully monitor radiation levels. Lack of gravity affects sensory input, This interferes with balancing and eye-hand coordination. Many astronauts experience space motion sickness when they first arrive in space, which includes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and disorientation. However, these symptoms reduce upon habituation.