When you think about outer space, what comes to mind? "Star Trek?"
Or maybe NASA's venture to Mars? What about the many shuttle missions
NASA has completed over the years? Do you know what those are like?
Well imagine, if you can, after years of study and months of
training, strapping yourself in and blasting into orbit. First,
you'd run on adrenalin from the excitement and high speeds. Then
what? Once you're up there, what will it be like? You'll feel
like you are floating. You'll use specially designed straps and
grips to move around. Why? What is different in space? You are
far from the Earth and the pull of gravity is less.
What is happening to your body? Did you know that all the fluid
in your body will have a tendency to move towards your head? That's
why pictures of astronauts in flight show them with swollen or
distorted faces. Stand on your head for a few minutes and you'll
get the idea of how that feels. At the same time, other changes
are happening to your body.
Your bones and muscles are adapting to the new environment.
In this environment, your reactions and responses will be different
and your brain will learn to interpret those differences. Scientists
have studied astronauts and animals for many years to try and
find out how they are affected by the environment of space. Do
you still want to blast off?
Come along with us as we explore space and NASA's Space Life
Sciences missions. Meet the astronauts, the mission personnel,
and the scientists who make it all happen. Join us for SpaceLife
ExPress.
