Hey Lykkers! Have you ever wondered what would happen to our bodies if we spent a year in space?

Well, a recent record-setting trip by NASA astronaut Frank Rubio, who spent 371 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS), gave us some surprising answers.

During his time in space, Rubio became the American astronaut with the longest single spaceflight. However, his journey left a noticeable mark on his body. Let's dive into the effects that long-term space travel can have on our bodies.

Muscles and Bones: A Tough Time in Space

One of the most surprising effects of space travel is how quickly our muscles and bones begin to deteriorate. In space, there's no gravity to help our muscles stay strong, so they start to shrink.

Rubio's mission was a perfect example. In just two weeks, his muscle mass began to drop by 20%. Over longer missions, this can increase to 30%. Muscles that help us maintain posture—like those in the back, neck, and legs—are the first to weaken.

Bones also take a hit in space. Without the normal pull of gravity, astronauts lose skeletal mass at a rate of about 1–2% per month. Over six months, they can lose as much as 10%. This increases the risk of fractures and makes recovery slower.

To counteract this, astronauts like Rubio work out for 2.5 hours daily, using specialized equipment to maintain their strength. Despite this, recent studies suggest even more intense workouts might be necessary to prevent the loss of muscle function and skeletal mass.

Weight Loss: The Challenge of Keeping Healthy

Another challenge astronauts face is maintaining a healthy weight in space. The lack of gravity means that weight doesn't matter as much, but it still affects the body. Rubio's trip wasn't all about exercise; his diet, too, had to change drastically.

Though NASA provides astronauts with a balanced diet, space conditions still take a toll. Take Scott Kelly, for example. After spending 340 days in space, he lost 7% of his body weight. The change in diet and the lack of normal body movements were key factors in his weight loss.

Vision Changes: A Surprising Shift

Ever noticed how gravity pulls our blood down to our legs when standing on Earth? In space, this doesn't happen. Without gravity, blood starts to accumulate in the head, affecting the eyes. The pressure from this blood buildup can cause swelling behind the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision and structural changes in the eyes themselves.

These changes might appear after just two weeks in space and could last for up to a year after returning to Earth.

Additionally, the radiation from cosmic rays and solar particles could also lead to other eye issues. Though spacecraft have shielding to reduce radiation exposure, astronauts still report seeing flashes of light when cosmic rays hit their eyes.

The Brain: Adjusting to a Weightless World

Spending extended periods in space also impacts the brain. Studies on Scott Kelly revealed little change in his cognitive abilities while in space, but there was a noticeable drop in speed and accuracy once he returned to Earth. It's believed that this is because the brain has to readjust to Earth's gravity and lifestyle after being in the weightless environment of space for so long.

Research has shown that astronauts' brains can change while in space. For example, areas of the brain related to balance and coordination may change, making it harder to move without gravity. This could explain why astronauts seem to "float" or move differently in space.

Gut Health: Space's Impact on Our Microbes

It's not just our muscles and bones that suffer in space. Our gut health can also be affected. We rely on a variety of microorganisms in our intestines to help digest food and keep our immune system in check. But in space, the bacteria and fungi in our gut can change drastically.

Scott Kelly's study showed that after spending nearly a year in space, his gut microbiome had changed, likely due to diet, reduced physical activity, and exposure to space's unique conditions.

Skin Sensitivity: Unexpected Changes

Strangely enough, even our skin can feel the effects of long-term space travel. Kelly noticed that his skin became more sensitive after his trip. He even developed a rash. Experts believe that the lack of normal physical interaction with our surroundings in space—such as touching, moving around, or adjusting to temperature changes—could make our skin react differently when we return to Earth.

DNA and Genetics: Surprising Findings

One of the most unexpected discoveries in long-term space travel is how our DNA is affected. Studies on astronauts like Kelly revealed changes in the length of their telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Surprisingly, Kelly's telomeres actually got longer in space, but once he returned to Earth, they quickly shortened, which might indicate a possible link to aging.

Conclusion: The Future of Space Travel

As we look toward missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, understanding these impacts on the human body is crucial. The challenges of space travel—like muscle loss, skeletal density reduction, vision changes, and even DNA alterations—are all hurdles we need to overcome. But with continued research, we can develop better ways to protect astronauts during these long missions.

Lykkers, if you ever thought about becoming an astronaut, now you know it's not just about the cool space suit and zero gravity fun. It's about surviving and adapting to some of the toughest conditions we could face as humans. But don't worry, space science is getting better at keeping our bodies safe, and who knows? Maybe we'll all be ready to take that trip to Mars one day!