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Space travel challenges: How astronauts combat health risks in microgravity

Astronauts face health risks in space, including bone loss, vision changes, and radiation exposure. NASA researchers are exploring solutions such as artificial gravity to ensure astronaut safety on future deep-space missions.

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1 year ago

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Astronaut exercising aboard the International Space Station

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) follow a rigorous exercise routine to counteract the lack of gravity, which affects muscles and bones. While missions usually last six months, some astronauts stay up to a year. Researchers are confident in maintaining astronaut health over this duration.

On Earth, even basic movement builds muscle and strengthens bones due to gravitational resistance. However, in orbit, astronauts rely on three exercise machines, including a resistance device installed in 2009. This device simulates free weights using vacuum tubes and flywheel cables.

A two-hour daily workout routine is essential for astronaut fitness. “The best results that we have to show that we’re being very effective is that we don’t really have a fracture problem in astronauts when they return to the ground,” said Bokhari. However, bone loss remains detectable in scans.

Balance and fluid shifts pose major concerns

Space travel disrupts balance, affecting all astronauts, even those on short missions. Emmanuel Urquieta, vice chair of Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida, stated that astronauts must undergo NASA’s 45-day post-mission rehabilitation program to retrain their bodies.

Another issue is “fluid shift,” where bodily fluids move toward the head in microgravity. This can increase calcium levels in urine, raising the risk of kidney stones. Additionally, fluid shifts can lead to increased intracranial pressure, altering the shape of the eyeball and causing spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), resulting in mild-to-moderate vision impairment.

Interestingly, in some cases, SANS has led to improved vision. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir, for instance, experienced a rare benefit. “When I launched, I wore glasses and contacts, but due to globe flattening, I now have 20/15 vision—most expensive corrective surgery possible. Thank you, taxpayers,” she remarked.

Managing radiation risks

Radiation exposure remains a significant concern. While the ISS passes through the Van Allen radiation belt, Earth’s magnetic field offers some protection. However, radiation levels remain higher than on Earth. NASA aims to limit astronauts’ increased lifetime cancer risk to within three percent.

Future deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars will expose astronauts to even greater radiation levels. Astrophysicist Siegfried Eggl explained that while heavy materials like lead or water provide effective shielding, their vast quantity requirements make them impractical.

Space probes could offer some warning for coronal mass ejections—plasma clouds from the Sun—but cosmic radiation remains largely unpredictable.

Possible solutions: Artificial gravity and propulsion advancements

One solution to counteract health issues is artificial gravity, created by rotating spacecraft frames, which could help astronauts remain functional after extended travel. Another approach is using powerful acceleration and deceleration to simulate Earth’s gravity, reducing both the effects of microgravity and radiation exposure. However, this method requires nuclear propulsion technologies that are still under development.

Psychological challenges in space missions

Beyond physical health, maintaining team dynamics in confined environments is crucial. Joseph Keebler, a psychologist at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, highlighted the difficulty of long-duration space travel.

“Imagine being stuck in a van with anybody for three years: these vessels aren’t that big, there’s no privacy, there’s no backyard to go to,” he explained. “I really commend astronauts that commit to this. It’s an unfathomable job.”

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Indian-origin astronaut Anil Menon begins first mission to International Space Station

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has launched aboard Soyuz MS-29 on his first mission to the International Space Station, where he is expected to spend around eight months conducting research.

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2 months ago

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July 14, 2026

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Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon has embarked on his first journey into space after successfully launching aboard Russia’s Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission lifted off from the historic Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 8:17 PM on Tuesday. Menon was accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina as the three-member crew began their expedition to the orbiting laboratory.

Crew to spend about eight months aboard ISS

The Soyuz MS-29 spacecraft is expected to dock with the International Space Station a little over three hours after launch. Once aboard the ISS, the crew will carry out a range of scientific research and technology demonstration projects during their mission.

The expedition is scheduled to last approximately eight months, with the crew expected to return to Earth in 2027 after completing their planned activities in orbit.

Menon’s maiden spaceflight marks a significant milestone in his astronaut career as he joins the International Space Station crew for long-duration research and operational work.

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Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to meet PM Modi after return from historic space mission

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who recently returned from the ISS as part of the Axiom-4 mission, will meet PM Modi this evening. Parliament will also hold a special discussion on his historic journey.

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1 year ago

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August 18, 2025

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Subhanshu shukla

Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS), will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening at his official residence in New Delhi.

PM Modi to host meeting with astronaut

According to officials, the meeting at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg is expected to take place between 5 pm and 5:30 pm. Shukla, who arrived in India on Sunday, will also be part of the National Space Day celebrations scheduled for August 23.

Warm welcome in India

The astronaut was greeted at the airport by his family, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and hundreds of citizens waving the national flag. Shukla had been in the United States for a year, preparing for the Axiom-4 mission, which launched from Florida on June 25 and docked at the ISS the next day. He served as the mission’s pilot.

Emotional note from Shukla

Before his return, Shukla shared an emotional post on Instagram, expressing mixed feelings of leaving his space colleagues while being eager to meet his loved ones and people of India. He also quoted a song from the film Swades, which he had chosen as his anthem on the launch day.

Parliament session on India’s space journey

In honour of Shukla’s mission, the Lok Sabha is holding a special session today to discuss “India’s first astronaut aboard the ISS – critical role of space programme for Viksit Bharat by 2047.” Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the discussion would highlight the importance of India’s space achievements and future goals.

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Shubhanshu Shukla pens emotional note as he returns to India after space mission

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla penned an emotional Instagram post as he returned to India after his 18-day ISS mission, marking a milestone in India’s space journey.

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1 year ago

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August 16, 2025

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Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has shared an emotional Instagram post as he heads back home after completing his 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronaut reflects on mixed emotions

In his heartfelt message, written from the aircraft, Shukla expressed the whirlwind of emotions he felt while leaving behind his fellow astronauts, who had been his family during the mission. “As I sit on the plane to come back to India, I have a mix of emotions running through my heart. I feel sad leaving a fantastic group of people behind who were my friends and family for the past year during this mission. I am also excited about meeting all my friends, family and everyone in the country for the first time post mission. I guess this is what life is — everything all at once,” he wrote.

Acknowledges support and inspiration

The astronaut thanked everyone for the love and support he received throughout his journey. He also recalled the words of his commander Peggy Whitson, saying, “Goodbyes are hard, but we need to keep moving in life. As my commander Peggy Whitson fondly says, ‘The only constant in spaceflight is change’. I believe that applies to life as well.”

Shukla ended his note with a line from the song Yun Hi Chala Chal from the film Swades, reflecting his spirit of resilience.

Link to India’s space ambitions

Shukla’s return comes at a crucial time as India advances its space programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier mentioned that the astronaut would soon return and that he was tasked with documenting his training and ISS stay. This record will serve as a valuable reference for Gaganyaan, India’s first human spaceflight mission.

Over the past year, Shukla trained extensively at NASA, Axiom, and SpaceX facilities. His flight to the ISS as part of the Axiom 4 mission marked a milestone in India’s preparations for future human space exploration.

The Gaganyaan project aims to send Indian astronauts into orbit aboard an indigenous rocket. The government has also outlined plans for a Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035 and a crewed mission to the moon by 2040.

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