How do astronauts deal with the harsh conditions of space?

Although humans have been able to enter the universe, human bodies are not designed to survive off-planet. land. When astronauts travel into space, they encounter an environment that is very different from Earth, causing a series of changes in their bodies. Understanding how these changes affect humans is vital as long-term missions are planned to reach the planet. moon And Mars In the coming years.

On Earth, our magnetic field and atmosphere protect us from most of the particles that make up the space radiation environment. However, Astronauts They are exposed to varying and increasing levels of radiation that differ from those on Earth.Increased radiation exposure may be associated with short- and long-term health consequences, such as an increased risk of cancer and degenerative diseases.

The crew was selected to stay on board the ship. International Space Station They are carefully selected, trained and supported to ensure they are able to work efficiently as a team during missions. It lasts for six to 12 months. However, prolonged isolation and confinement can take a toll. Rest, alteration of circadian rhythm, stimulation, and behavioral or cognitive disturbances.

Unlike the International Space Station crews, who regularly receive supplies from cargo flights from Earth, astronauts traveling to Mars will need Bring all the food, equipment and medical supplies they need. In addition, communications delays during landing on Mars will mean that astronauts will have to defend themselves with the help of autonomous systems.

Astronauts will encounter three different gravity fields on a mission to Mars: On the interplanetary journey, they would be weightless; while living and working on Mars, Their force will be about a third of Earth’s gravity; and finally, upon returning home, they must readjust to Earth’s gravity. Moving from one gravitational field to another affects the direction Spatial, coordination, balance and movement.

NASA has discovered that. The ecosystem inside a spacecraft plays an important role in daily life. From astronauts. Microbes can change their properties in space, and microorganisms that naturally live in the human body can be transmitted more easily from person to person in closed habitats. In addition, stress hormone levels rise and the immune system weakens, which can lead to increased susceptibility to allergies and other diseases.

The lives of astronauts are full of logistical and personal challenges, and the cramped conditions they live in, with modules the size of Phone booth and vacuum toilets. Personal hygiene is a challenge due to the lack of running water, so they use wet clothes and shampoo that cannot be rinsed off. Washing clothes is impossible.They use them until they get really dirty and then throw them away.

The lack of privacy and limited space forces astronauts to share resources. Sleeping, going to the bathroom, and performing daily tasks are complicated by the lack of gravity. Your daily routine is stressful, with 15 hour work day and mandatory exercise To avoid muscle atrophy. Despite the stress, they also have free time to call family, watch movies or enjoy the views from the space station.

For astronauts, meals must be They are carefully planned to provide adequate nutrients and ensure the health of the crew. Since the beginning of space exploration, when it came to dried foods and tubes, space food has evolved significantly. Currently, advanced preservation techniques are used that allow us to offer a variety of ready-to-eat foods, including: Main dishes, desserts and snacks, with better texture and flavour.

Preservation methods include: Dehydration, hydration, thermal fixation and ionizing radiation. These processes ensure that food remains in good condition and suitable for consumption for long periods of time. In addition, special treatments are performed to eliminate harmful microorganisms present on fresh fruits and vegetables that require refrigeration. Although the food selection is wide, there are some restrictions, such as the prohibition of bread and granular forms of salt and pepper, to avoid residue problems in the microgravity environment.