Microgravity causes severe bone and muscle loss, heart complications, vision problems, and changes in brain function. Although astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) spend more than a year in space, the cost of staying that long comes with a heavy price. Physiological changes such as radiation exposure, psychological stress, and fluid shifts that affect the eyes and brain pose serious health risks.
Experts say survival on long-duration missions like the three-year Mars mission is possible, but the risks are significant. NASA research shows that loss of bone density, muscle wasting, and increased risk of cancer are inevitable due to increased radiation exposure. Mental health issues associated with isolation and solitary confinement are also a significant concern.
While countermeasures such as exercise can help mitigate some effects, experts believe that long missions over three years can push a person’s endurance to the limit, leading to serious long-term health effects upon return to Earth (if they occur).
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Source: Ferra
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