Read Space article Focus on the RIDGE? acronym Risks and solution section . 3. Choose two risks for space travel in the gravity sect

What happens to the human body in space?

For over 50 years, NASA’s Human Research Program (HRP) has studied what happens to the

human body in space. Researchers are using what they learn to design procedures, devices, and

strategies to keep astronauts safe and healthy throughout their missions.

NASA engineers use the lessons learned to better design spacecraft and improve the fit and

functions of spacesuits. The research also aids in the development and assessment of medical

standards, physical fitness programs and standards, physiological and psychological adaptation

training, sensorimotor training, and nutritional health protocols.

Understanding the effects of spaceflight on humans is essential as astronauts move from the

International Space Station in low-Earth orbit to deep space destinations on and around the

Moon, and beyond. With the Artemis program, NASA will land the first woman and next man on

the Moon using innovative technologies to explore more of the lunar surface than ever before,

gathering new data while keeping astronauts healthy and safe.

Caption: NASA astronaut Christina Koch pauses as she helps replace equipment on the International Space Station. She and her fellow astronauts face a suite of health effects while in space. Credits: NASA

NASA is particularly interested in investigating how the body reacts to long-duration spaceflight

as the agency plans for extended missions on the Moon and Mars. Scott Kelly and Christina

Koch were the first American astronauts to spend nearly one year in space onboard the space

station, twice the previous average. Scott, Christina, and six other astronauts have spent more

than 200 days in space during a single spaceflight.

In addition to spending almost a year in space, Scott was involved in the unique Twins Study.

Scott participated in several biomedical studies onboard the space station while his identical twin

brother, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, stayed on Earth as a control subject, someone who

provides a basis of comparison. The study provided valuable data about what happened to Scott,

physiologically and psychologically, as compared to his brother Mark. Their contribution to

science helped generate data that researchers will use for decades to come.

NASA is planning more dedicated extended-duration research on the space station. The studies

are expected to shed light on how the body adapts to living in the spaceflight environment for

various longer time periods, which will be pivotal for future deep space missions.

What exactly happens to the body in space and what are the risks? Are the risks the same for

astronauts who spend six months on the space station versus those who may be away on a Mars

mission for years? The simple answer is “no.” NASA is researching risks for Mars missions

which are grouped into five human spaceflight hazards related to the stressors they place on the

body. These can be summarized with the acronym “RIDGE,” short for Space Radiation,

Isolation and Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity fields, and Hostile/Closed

Environments.

1. Space Radiation

On Earth, we are shielded by the planet’s magnetic field and atmosphere from the majority of

particles that make up the space radiation environment. Even so, everyone on Earth is exposed to

low levels of radiation every day, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. In space, astronauts

are exposed to varied and increased levels of radiation that are different from those on Earth.

Three major sources contribute to the space radiation environment: particles trapped in Earth’s

magnetic field, solar energetic particles from the Sun, and galactic cosmic rays. A big challenge

in reducing the risks of radiation exposure is that some space radiation particles (especially

galactic cosmic rays) are difficult to shield against. Exposure to increased radiation can be

associated with both short- and long-term health consequences, depending on how much total

radiation astronauts experience and the time frame in which they experience that exposure.

Increased risk of cancer and degenerative diseases, such as heart disease and cataracts, have been

observed in human populations exposed to radiation on Earth. Health risks for astronauts from

radiation exposure in space are mainly driven by long-term impacts. Additionally, animal and

cellular research indicate that the type of radiation in the space environment has a larger impact

on health outcomes compared to the radiation experienced on Earth. Not only will astronauts be

exposed to more radiation in space than on Earth, but the radiation they are exposed to could

pose increased risks.

Caption: Inside the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory, where researchers study the effects of simulated cosmic rays on biological specimens. Credits: NASA

The Key: The current strategy to reduce the health risks of space radiation exposure is to

implement shielding, radiation monitoring, and specific operational procedures. Compared to

typical six-month space station missions, later Moon and Mars missions will be much longer on

average. Consequently, the total amount of radiation experienced and associated health risks may

increase. NASA is developing new radiation detectors to monitor and characterize the radiation

environment, which will provide better estimates of the dose and type of radiation to which the

crews are exposed. Scientists and engineers are optimizing and implementing operational

procedures that use available vehicle stowage and materials to reduce radiation exposure

effectively. To investigate the health risks of space radiation exposure beyond low-Earth orbit,

NASA supports research that analyzes the biological effects of simulated cosmic rays at ground-

based research facilities. Research at these facilities helps NASA understand and reduce the risk

of space radiation, ensure proper measurement of the doses that astronauts receive on the space

station and in future spacecraft, and develop advanced materials that improve radiation shielding

for future missions. Studies of radiation-exposed human cohorts are also being conducted to estimate the health risks in populations relevant to astronauts.

2. Isolation and Confinement

Expedition crews selected for a stay onboard the space station are carefully chosen, trained, and

supported to ensure they will be able to work effectively as a team for the duration of their six to

12-month missions. Crews for a Moon or Mars mission will undergo even more careful

assessment, selection, and preparation since they will travel farther and potentially for longer

than previous humans in an isolated and confined environment, with only a few other people.

Additionally, crews will likely be international and multi-cultural, making cross-cultural

sensitivity and team dynamics paramount to mission success. Ensuring astronauts get quality

sleep is also important; otherwise, their internal biological clocks, or circadian rhythm, might be

altered by factors like different dark and light cycles, a small and noisy environment, the stress of

prolonged isolation and confinement, and a 37-minute extended day on Mars. It is important to

prepare for the fatigue astronauts may experience during spaceflight, given that there will be

times with heavy workloads and shifting schedules. To prevent crew boredom, NASA considers

the kinds of activities in which the astronauts will participate during a multi-year round trip to

Mars. Communication and understanding among crew members are vital to the success of the

mission, and changes in morale and motivation are possible as the mission unfolds. This may

relate to reduced stimulation, the longing for loved ones, or feeling unable to assist with family

emergencies back on Earth, regardless of how long the mission lasts. Using spaceflight analogs

on Earth, NASA’s research has revealed that both the duration and type of confined and isolated

experience are important to consider. The more restricted the space, and the less contact with

people outside the environment, the more likely humans are to develop behavioral or cognitive

conditions or psychiatric disorders.

Figure Caption: NASA astronaut Christina Koch begins Veg-PONDS-02 experiment on the space station’s vegetable production systems called Veggie. Credits: NASA/David Saint-Jacques

The Key: NASA has been studying people in isolated and confined environments for years, and

has developed methods and technologies to counteract possible problems. NASA scientists are

using devices, such as actigraphy, that help assess and improve sleep and alertness by recording

how much people move and how much ambient light is around them. New lighting, spurred by

the development of Light-Emitting Diode (LED) technology, is used on the space station to help

align astronaut’s circadian rhythms and to improve sleep, alertness, and performance. A 10-

minute self-test of vigilance and attention assesses the effect of fatigue on performance.

Astronauts write in journals as a safe place to vent frustrations and provide researchers a tool to

study behavioral issues that are on the minds of crew members who are living and working in

isolation and confinement. Researchers are also looking into using virtual reality to simulate

relaxing environments to help improve the mood of crews in isolation. Engaging in relevant,

meaningful activities, including learning a language or learning new medical skills, could help

ward off depression and boost morale. Crews may even tend to a space garden, which could have

positive behavioral health benefits in addition to providing a fresh source of food and helping to

purify the air. Researchers are using Earth-based analogs to investigate how much privacy and

living space will be needed on longer missions where crew members will be restricted in a

relatively small spacecraft together. NASA is also determining strategies to formulate the best

crew by studying individual and team attributes, composition, and dynamics.

3. Distance from Earth

The space station orbits 240 miles above Earth. The Moon is 1,000 times farther from Earth than

the space station. In contrast, Mars is on average 140 million miles from Earth. With a

communication delay of up to 20 minutes one-way while on Mars, astronauts must be able to

solve problems and identify solutions as a team without help from NASA’s mission control. The

types of food and medicine to be packed for a multi-year trip without access to a grocery store or

pharmacy are also important to consider. Unlike space station crews, which regularly receive

supplies from cargo flights from Earth, astronauts going to Mars will have to bring all of the

food, equipment, and medical supplies they need.

Caption: NASA astronaut Tom Marshburn performs an ultrasound scan on Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Credits: NASA

The Key: NASA is using its human spaceflight experience on the space station to figure out

what types of medical events happen in space over time and what types of skills, procedures,

equipment, and supplies are needed so that they will have a good idea of what to pack for future

missions to the Moon and Mars. Space station astronauts already receive medical training before

and during space missions that teach them how to respond to health problems as they arise. For

example, astronauts learn how to use onboard space station equipment to produce an intravenous

(IV) solution from purified water, which can be used for medical administration. Crew members

also perform ultrasound scans on each other to monitor organ health. If one crew member

becomes sick during the mission, crews are ready to perform laboratory testing to help make the

right diagnosis and guide treatment. NASA is working on developing a medical data architecture

for spacecraft that enables the capabilities of clinical decision support tools, which could use

artificial intelligence and machine learning to further help diagnose and treat various illnesses.

Researchers are also looking into the role that virtual assistants could play to help crews identify

and respond to spaceflight anomalies quickly for more distant missions. Additionally, the agency

is studying and improving food formulation, processing, packaging, and preservation systems to

ensure the nutrients remain stable and the food remains acceptable for years. Space-resilient

medications and packaging systems that preserve the integrity of pharmaceuticals for long-

duration missions are another significant part of NASA’s research.

4. Gravity Fields

Astronauts will encounter three different gravity fields on a Mars mission. On the six-month trek

between the planets, crews will be weightless. While living and working on Mars, crews will be

in approximately one-third of Earth’s gravity. Finally upon returning home, crews will have to

readapt to Earth’s gravity. Transitioning from one gravity field to another is trickier than it

sounds. It affects spatial orientation, head-eye and hand-eye coordination, balance, and

locomotion, with some crew members experiencing space motion sickness. Landing a spacecraft

on Mars could be challenging as astronauts adjust to the gravity field of another celestial body.

When shifting from weightlessness to gravity, astronauts may experience post-flight orthostatic

intolerance where they are unable to maintain their blood pressure when standing up, which can

lead to lightheadedness and fainting. NASA has learned that without Earth’s gravity affecting the

human body, weight-bearing bones lose on average 1% to 1.5% of mineral density per month

during spaceflight. After returning to Earth, bone loss might not be completely corrected by

rehabilitation; however, their risk for fracture is not higher. Without the proper diet and exercise

routine, astronauts also lose muscle mass in microgravity faster than they would on Earth.

Moreover, the fluids in the body shift upward to the head in microgravity, which may put

pressure on the eyes and cause vision problems. If preventive or countermeasures are not

implemented, crews may experience an increased risk of developing kidney stones due to

dehydration and increased excretion of calcium from their bones.

NASA astronaut Steve Swanson exercises on the Combined Operational Load Bearing External Resistance Treadmill (COLBERT). Credits: NASA

The Key: By analyzing how the body changes in weightlessness and after returning to Earth’s

gravity, NASA is developing protective measures against these changes for a Mars mission.

Functional task testing is in place to help detect and improve balance control after landing on a

gravitational surface. Fine motor skills testing is done to detect any changes in the ability of

astronauts to interact with computer-based devices. Distribution of the fluids in the body is

closely monitored to help evaluate any connection to changes in vision. Compression cuffs worn

on the thighs help keep the blood in the lower extremities to counteract those fluid shifts. A

lower-body negative pressure device could help draw fluids from the head into the legs as well.

Back pain, which some astronauts have reported experiencing during spaceflight, is monitored

by obtaining spinal ultrasounds. Muscle size and bone density are assessed for deterioration

using MRI and high-resolution imaging techniques, before and after flight. Crew members

perform periodic fitness self-evaluations to help researchers better understand the decline in heart

function that can occur during spaceflight. Medicines that NASA is studying, such as potassium

citrate, may help combat the physiological change that could increase the risk of developing

kidney stones. Bisphosphonate medications have been shown in NASA studies to be effective in

preventing bone loss. NASA has also designed an efficient way to collect and measure how

much urine a crew member produces in space, which is essential to human research since it

reveals key information about a person’s health. For example, researchers can analyze different

levels of certain substances in an astronaut’s urine to determine whether they are at risk of

developing a kidney stone in space, and make modifications to the diet, exercise routine, and

water intake as preventive measures. Aerobic and resistive exercise has been shown to keep the

heart healthy, bones and muscles strong, the mind alert, as well as maintain a more positive

outlook, and may even help with balance and coordination. Software-generated workout partners

could be used to help motivate astronauts to exercise regularly for longer space missions. NASA

has even completed a joint Earth-based bed rest study to determine whether centrifuge artificial

gravity may be an effective way to counter the physiological effects of weightlessness.

5. Hostile/Closed Environments

NASA has learned that the ecosystem inside the spacecraft plays a big role in everyday astronaut

life in space. Microbes can change characteristics in space, and micro-organisms that naturally

https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/hostilesmall.png

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