“Unbelievable Transformation: See How 9 Months in Space Changed These Astronauts Forever!”
Space travel causes atrophy of bone and muscle, as well as changes in blood flow that have negative effects on health
Image credits: NASA
Muscle loss is also a delicate matter to consider, as the European Space Agency explained, “Loss of 10 to 20 % has been observed on short missions and, if no countermeasures were applied, this could go up to 50% on long duration missions.”
This is caused due to gravity altering the circulating levels of growth hormone, glucocorticoids, and reducing protein synthesis rates, as well as affecting muscle fibers themselves.
Image credits: NASA
The changes in blood circulation are known to cause a condition known as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), which can cause pressure to build on the optic nerve, leading to blurred vision.
Many astronauts recover fully after returning to Earth, but some of the effects can be long-lasting.
The current record for most consecutive days in outer space belongs to Frank Rubio, whose mission lasted for 371 days
Image credits: NASA
Wilmore and Williams’ 250-long stay in space is far from the largest any astronaut has spent.
Frank Rubio, a 49-year-old flight surgeon, US Army colonel, astronaut and helicopter pilot, holds the record for the longest-running single spaceflight mission in space at an impressive 371 days.
Upon completing his mission on September 27, 2023, Rubio reported experiencing lower back pain and foot sensitivity, detailing his experience in an interview with Time Magazine.
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