German expert: Astronauts become 5 and a half centimeters taller with zero gravity!
A German expert in space medicine stated that astronauts grow taller during their space missions due to the lack of gravity.
"The spinal discs expand, and the average person's height increases by five and a half centimeters during the first 24 hours ... when he returns Man falls to the ground, returns to his original height.
It should be noted that Ganze is closely following the mission carried out by German astronaut, Matthias Mauer, 51, aboard the International Space Station, which lasts six months.
Janzeh stated that there is another short-term change that occurs in the astronauts' body, which is the displacement of fluids in the body towards the upper part and head.
“This leads to 1.5 liters of water urinating in the first 24 hours - the face becomes very plump and the legs become very thin,” said the expert, who previously worked at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne, explaining that gravity usually draws water to the legs, but in the absence of it. It does not happen.
Ganzeh said that in the long run, the muscles deteriorate because they are not used in zero gravity. "Moving from one place to another in space only requires pushing a heavy object," she said, adding that the heart muscle becomes smaller as well.
She explained that the astronauts on board the International Space Station practice physical exercises for two and a half hours daily, noting that the astronauts use a stationary bike with shoes on the pedals, in addition to a strength-training device and a treadmill, in which the astronaut attaches himself with rubber straps.
On the other hand, Janzeh explained that in future missions to Mars, for example, it will not be possible to take these devices due to lack of space, explaining that the search is being done for other ways to prevent muscle contraction.
Ganzeh stated that she is currently conducting research on electrical stimulation in cooperation with an international group, and she said, "If the muscles are stimulated with electricity, the human may not need much training," explaining that this will also save a lot of space on board the spaceship.
It is scheduled that 16 astronauts will participate in this experiment aboard the International Space Station in the coming years.
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