International Space Station: Astronaut Arteries A-OK After Long Stays
For years, scientists have questioned how space travel might affect the human body, especially during long stays aboard the International Space Station. A new study brings encouraging news: astronauts’ arteries remain healthy even years after returning from extended missions in space. They have quoted that Astronaut arteries A-OK after long stays.
This finding could have major implications for the future of long-duration space missions, including planned journeys to the Moon and Mars.
What did the study find?
Researchers from the American Physiological Society published their results in the Journal of Applied Physiology. The study focused on astronauts who had lived aboard the International Space Station for up to six months. Years later, these astronauts were found to have no long-term changes in their arterial structure or function.
“These results are promising for spaceflight’s long-term impact on heart and vascular health,” said lead author Dr. Anna-Maria Burch in the official press release from the Physiological Society.
But isn’t space supposed to harm the body?
Yes, earlier research suggested that microgravity could cause the arteries to stiffen or narrow, leading to long-term cardiovascular problems. The fear was that space travel could age the arteries faster, similar to what happens with sedentary lifestyles or chronic disease.
So what changed? The new study used high-resolution ultrasound imaging and years of follow-up data to check the astronauts’ arteries. Surprisingly, no signs of stiffening or thickening were found in the carotid arteries, which are key to delivering blood to the brain.
How many astronauts were studied?
The research included 14 astronauts who flew to the International Space Station between 2009 and 2015. Their vascular health was tracked before, during, and up to five years after their missions. This long-term data gave scientists a rare view into the human body’s recovery after space travel.
According to Universe Today, this is one of the most detailed vascular studies ever conducted on former astronauts.
What does this mean for future space missions?
With NASA, SpaceX, and international space agencies planning longer missions, including to Mars, it’s vital to understand the long-term effects of space on the body. This new research suggests that our cardiovascular system is more resilient than expected, at least over periods of six months or so in low-Earth orbit.
“Human physiology can recover well, which is excellent news for long-term exploration,” stated a medical analyst quoted by Space.com.
Could astronauts spend even longer in space?
That’s the next big question. While six months is a long time, a trip to Mars could take two to three years round trip. Scientists still need to study whether similar results would be seen in astronauts who stay in deep space, where exposure to radiation and isolation are far greater.
But this study gives space agencies a strong starting point, showing that arterial health is not a dealbreaker for extended missions on the International Space Station.
Are there any risks left?
The research does not claim space travel is 100 percent risk-free. Some astronauts still report muscle loss, bone density reduction, and vision changes. However, the cardiovascular system seems to adapt and recover better than previously assumed.
The findings also suggest that regular exercise and healthy nutrition in orbit play a major role in maintaining vascular health.
“It’s a reminder that well-designed exercise routines in space really work,” noted a space health specialist in Yahoo News.
What are people saying online?
The news has been welcomed across space and science communities. The Mars Society praised the research in a tweet:
“A big win for future Mars missions. Astronauts’ arteries are doing just fine after ISS missions. Let’s keep going.”
Many see this as a green light to move ahead with even more ambitious space plans, knowing that astronauts can return to Earth with their cardiovascular health intact.
Final Thoughts: A Healthy Future for Space Travelers
This new research shows that the International Space Station continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of space travel. By studying how real astronauts respond to months in orbit, scientists are learning how to protect and support the human body in extreme environments.
With this kind of data, we move one step closer to safe, long-term human space exploration, and maybe someday, even a healthy walk on Mars.
FAQ’S
The longer astronauts stay in space, the more they experience muscle loss, bone thinning, and changes in vision. These effects are caused by microgravity and reduced physical load.
Side effects can include weakened muscles, decreased bone density, fluid shifts, and changes in the immune system. However, many of these effects reverse after return to Earth.
Astronauts usually stay on the International Space Station for about six months. Some missions have extended up to a year for research purposes.
Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holds the record with 437 continuous days aboard the Mir space station. On the ISS, Scott Kelly stayed for 340 days.
After 9 months in space, astronauts can lose muscle and bone strength, and may experience vision issues. Recovery on Earth takes time but is usually successful.
NASA astronaut Christina Koch has spent 328 days in one mission, while Mark Vande Hei spent 355 days. The record of 665 cumulative days is held by Gennady Padalka.
Disclaimer
This is for information only, not financial advice. Always do your research