Space Tourists Experience Similar Body Changes As Astronauts

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with four private citizens onboard, lifts off in this time-exposure photo from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021, in Cape Canaveral, Fl

New studies published on Tuesday reveal that space tourists undergo some of the same physiological changes as astronauts who spend extended periods in orbit. The research, which focused on four space tourists, indicates that these bodily shifts mostly return to normal once the individuals return to Earth.

The studies are part of a broader examination of the health effects of space travel, delving into molecular-level changes. This research sheds light on how individuals, who do not undergo the rigorous training of astronauts, adapt to weightlessness and space radiation.

Experts emphasize that these findings will enhance preparedness for future human space missions. The studies mark a significant step in understanding the impact of space travel on the human body.

Research focuses on molecular-level changes in space tourists' bodies.

Space tourists experience physiological changes like astronauts in orbit.

Findings enhance preparedness for future human space missions.

Private space travel opportunities spark new research on space tourists.

While NASA has extensively studied the effects of space travel on astronauts, including those residing on the International Space Station for extended periods, less attention has been given to space tourists. The emergence of private space travel opportunities has spurred a new wave of research in this area.

A recent three-day chartered flight in 2021 provided researchers with valuable insights into how the body responds to spaceflight. The four passengers on the SpaceX flight, known as Inspiration4, collected various samples during their journey, enabling researchers to analyze changes in cells and the immune system.

Researchers observed significant shifts in cells and immune responses while in space, with most of these changes stabilizing in the months following their return to Earth. The short-term spaceflight did not pose substantial health risks, according to the findings.

The studies, published in Nature journals, cover the impact of spaceflight on the skin, kidneys, and immune system. These results offer valuable information for developing strategies to mitigate the negative effects of space travel.

Overall, the research provides a comprehensive understanding of how the human body adapts to space environments, paving the way for safer and more informed space missions in the future.