Physiological Effects of Space Exploration

1
Physiological Effects of Space Exploration

• ASCI 512
• Julie McElroy
• Mike Suden
• Dave Frander

2
Overview

• Introduction
• Weightlessness
• Redistribution of fluids
• Space sickness
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss
• Sleep deprivation
• Other effects
• Countermeasures

3
Introduction

• Technological and scientific advances make it
  possible for humans to explore space environment
• Understanding how human body responds differently
  in space than on earth--important for humans to
  travel

4
Weightlessness

• Reduction of gravity
• As astronaut is farther away from gravitational
  force of Earth, body in free fall state
• Weightlessness impacts human bodies in a variety
  of ways

5
Redistribution of Fluids

• Fluid tends to shift to the upper body and head
  due to lack of gravity pulling body fluids
  downward
• Puffy face
• Bird legs
• Nasal congestion

6
Space Sickness

• Chemosensory changes may influence the way a body
  interprets food and taste
• Space motion sickness can occur when body trying
  to adapt to weightlessness environment

7
Bone Loss

• Decrease in Bone Formation Increase in
  Resumption
• 0.3 Bone Mineral Density per month
• 3.5 loss of bone mineral content

8
Bone Loss Factors

• Lack of vitamins, and Sunlight
• No weight on skeleton
• Lack of Activity

9
Muscle Loss

• 3-10 loss of muscle mass
• Minimal fat loss
• Opposite of short missions
• Recovery 30-60 days

10
Sleep Deprivation

• Microgravity, sickness, environment others
• Mood swings, deficiencies in problem solving,
  learning productivity
• Safety and Performance concerns

11
Other Effects

• Nutrition and Diet
• Immune deficiencies
• Disorientation
• Aging Process

12
Countermeasures

• Increase fluid intake
• Vitamins Exercise
• Diurnal sleep (naps)
• Simulated Gravity

13
Overview

• Introduction
• Weightlessness
• Redistribution of fluids
• Space sickness
• Bone loss
• Muscle loss
• Sleep deprivation
• Other effects
• Countermeasures