The shocking things 10 days in space does to the human body: As NASA's Artemis II astronauts prepare to blast off to the moon, experts reveal how they'll be ravaged by the void
Four astronauts are about to embark on a 10–day voyage to the moon and back – but what will spending 240 hours in space do to their bodies?
An expert has revealed the shocking health hazards they will face on their 685,000–mile (1.1 million km) journey, from motion sickness to 'chicken legs'.
While Artemis II is considered a short–term mission, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen and Christina Koch can still expect to contend with a series of issues.
Dr Irene Di Giulio, from the Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Sciences at King's College London, said the duration of the mission means the long–term health risks are 'significantly reduced' compared to those who spend months on the International Space Station (ISS).
However, these astronauts will still be exposed to high levels of radiation that can trigger nausea.
'Space motion sickness could also be experienced as the body needs a few days to adapt. Meanwhile acute fluid shift from the lower part of the body to the head may cause discomfort and swelling,' she said.
'Sleep disturbances due to a sudden change in the light–darkness cycle and the use of artificial lighting may be experienced.
'And mental stress and isolation, especially given the mission demands and living in an enclosed environment, may affect performance.'
Astronauts who spend significant amounts of time in space can expect to experience a raft of health issues
Last year, shocking before–and–after images showed the damage that nine gruelling months in space had on astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
Both experienced weight loss and muscle atrophy and appeared significantly older when they finally returned to Earth.
However, it's unlikely the Artemis II astronauts will experience such a major decline in their muscle and bone health.
'The impact on muscles and bones seen in longer missions may be less apparent, because they typically require a longer exposure to altered gravity,' Dr Di Giulio explained.
'However, bone loss and muscle deconditioning can begin within just a few days, as demonstrated during NASA Space Shuttle missions, which were often seven to 14 days in duration.
'These effects therefore remain relevant for Artemis II and highlight the importance of performing in–flight exercise to counter the loss in bone and muscle.'
She said activities the astronauts perform before, during and after the mission can help mitigate the effects.
While space motion sickness can be reduced through training and the use of medication, muscle deconditioning can be counteracted with on–board exercise and sleep disturbances can be reduced by maintaining a structured schedule and controlled lighting.
After nine gruelling months in space, Suni Williams (pictured) and Butch Wilmore finally returned to Earth. But shocking before–and–after images show the damage that their unintended stay in space has caused
Although low–gravity, stress and lack of sleep lead to cognitive decline while astronauts are in space, research has shown that these symptoms abate back on Earth
During the mission, the crew will test every system on the Orion spacecraft and collect biological data to understand the health effects of deep–space travel on the body.
This will help inform future missions, including long–distance travel to Mars.
'The Artemis II mission is the first step towards moon landing and then establishing a long–term presence on the moon,' Dr Di Giulio said.
'There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed to minimise and mitigate the effect of the space environment on the human body.
'While Artemis II is short, it provides critical data that feeds directly into planning for longer–duration cis–lunar missions and sustained lunar presence.'
NASA has previously identified five main hazards for human spaceflight – space radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, gravity and closed or hostile environments.
In addition, the Apollo missions highlighted additional issues on the moon – dust and locomotion stability.
If humans are ever successful in setting up a base on the lunar surface, inhabitants would face levels of radiation exposure that would increase the risk of cancer, organ damage and nervous system impairment.
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (left), Victor Glover (second left), Christina Koch (second right) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (right)
Gravity on the moon is just one–sixth of that on Earth, which could trigger extensive muscle deconditioning, bone loss and changes in cardiovascular function that affects the brain and the eye.
Meanwhile lunar dust is sharp, fine and abrasive, which could potentially cause breathing difficulties as well as skin and eye irritation.
'To establish a long–term presence on the moon, medical autonomy will be crucial,' Dr Di Giulio said.
'Habitats must include diagnostic tools, medical supplies and crew training to treat injuries or illnesses independently.'
As part of their training for the Artemis II mission, the astronauts will have prepared for medical emergencies in space and learned first aid, CPR, wound care and how to use medical kits.
They will have trained to perform these procedures in simulated microgravity environments, such as underwater.
