The latest NASA news is so interesting that space enthusiasts would definitely want to try a spaceflight exploration. According to the reports, NASA astronaut and Expedition 45 Commander Scott Kelly has officially returned to Earth after living aboard the International Space Station for almost a year in space.
Kelly and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Kornienko returned to Earth on Tuesday after their groundbreaking 340-day mission to study how well humans can endure on a long-duration spaceflight, NASA noted.
Aside from Kelly, who has spent more time in space than any other American astronaut, and Kornienko, Sergey Volkov of the Russian space agency Roscosmos also joined them on their return trip aboard a Soyuz TMA-18M spacecraft.
Kelly and his crew touched down southeast of the remote town of Dzhezkagan in Kazakhstan on March 2 (local time).
"Scott Kelly's one-year mission aboard the International Space Station has helped to advance deep space exploration and America's Journey to Mars," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said. "Scott has become the first American astronaut to spend a year in space, and in so doing, helped us take one giant leap toward putting boots on Mars."
During the epic one-year mission, Kelly and his station crew conducted almost 400 investigations to advance NASA's mission and benefit all of humanity. And now NASA doctors will be closely monitoring Kelly's health.
In line with the recent NASA news on Kelly's return, National Space Biomedical Research Institute and NASA revealed 5 major changes a year in space can do to an astronaut's body, as listed by NBC News.
1. Increase in Height
In space, the disks of the spinal column are no longer compressed compared to when on Earth, where they're slightly compressed due to gravity. So, when the spine lengthens, the astronauts get taller.
2. Brittle Bones
Since astronauts tend to float in space, their bones experience a major decrease in load bearing, leading to bone breakdown and release of calcium. Thus, the bone in their legs, hips and spine become more brittle and weak.
In addition, the release of calcium can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation as well as bone fractures.
3. Decrease in the Size of the Heart
In space, the heart doesn't have to work as hard so, it could lead to a smaller heart. However, space radiation can increase the risks of coronary heart disease.
4. Messed Up Body Clock
In space, the 24-hour day/night cycle is literally absent. That's why, the astronaut's body clock has to readjust to the cycle once on Earth.
5. Weak Muscles
Long-duration spaceflights can cause muscles to weaken or atrophy because of work reduction for the legs and back.
Aside from the 5 major changes mentioned in the recent NASA news, a year in space can also cause puffy face and legs, increase the risks of cancer and balance issues.
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