Civilians traveling briefly in space experience some of the same physical and psychological shifts as astronauts who spend months in orbit but return to normal within a few months, according to new research. The findings, released yesterday, represent the most comprehensive analysis of the effects of spaceflight on the human body and come amid growing investments in commercial space travel.
The studies particularly rely on a historic all-civilian mission launched by SpaceX in 2021. Two women and two men, each representing a different decade of life, spent three days orbiting roughly 360 miles above Earth's surface. The crew was exposed to similar hazards as highly trained astronauts, including altered gravity and radiation. They collected samples of their blood, saliva, and more; tracked other internal data; and completed routine surveys.
While the crew showed signs of aging, 95% of the measurements studied eventually returned to normal. The findings also revealed space travelers have a higher risk of kidney stones. Explore all findings here (w/visuals).
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