Astronaut physiology

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Going Back to Gravity

Astronaut getting carried after returning to Earth

Astronaut Paolo Nespoli being carried after returning to Earth from his mission, Sojuz TMA-20, to the International Space Station.

With all the changes that an astronaut’s body experiences in space, it’s surprising they can get used to their new conditions so quickly. Luckily, the body is also good at adjusting to life back on Earth.

Once an astronaut returns to Earth, gravity immediately starts to affect their bodies again. Though they may need to be carried off the ship, pretty soon everything starts to get back to normal.

Blood and fluids soon move normally around the body, and with training and practice, the astronauts will regain their muscle and bone strength before too long. Though they can’t tumble through the air as freely here on Earth, we can imagine that the familiar force of gravity must feel pretty good.

Read more about: Spaced Out Physiology

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Shuttle Discovery

After a trip in space, all astronauts have to return to earth and gravity. Here, a NASA Space shuttle lands after a mission in space.

Spaced Out Physiology

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