Human physiological adaptation to extended Space Flight and its implications for Space StationCurrent work evaluating short-term space flight physiological data on the homeostatic changes due to weightlessness is presented as a means of anticipating Space Station long-term effects. An integrated systems analysis of current data shows a vestibulo-sensory adaptation within days; a loss of body mass, fluids, and electrolytes, stabilizing in a month; and a loss in red cell mass over a month. But bone demineralization which did not level off is seen as the biggest concern. Computer algorithms have been developed to simulate the human adaptation to weightlessness. So far these paradigms have been backed up by flight data and it is hoped that they will provide valuable information for future Space Station design. A series of explanatory schematics is attached.
Document ID
19860038764
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kutyna, F. A. (GE Management and Technical Services Co. Houston, TX, United States)
Shumate, W. H. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)