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In space, astronauts experience microgravity, which leads to a decrease in bone density due to reduced mechanical stress on the skeletal system. This phenomenon is known as spaceflight osteopenia, where bones lose calcium and other minerals, making them weaker and more susceptible to fractures. Research indicates that astronauts can lose about 1% to 2% of their bone mass per month while in space. To mitigate this effect, astronauts engage in regular strength and resistance training during their missions.

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What happens to your bones when you are weightless?

What happens to your bones when you are weightless, is that your bones will get weaker and weaker. That is why everyday, astronauts, have to spend two hours on a treadmill everyday of there space expedition.


Why do astronauts in space can develop bone weakness?

Astronauts in space can develop bone weakness due to the microgravity environment, which significantly reduces the mechanical loading on their bones. In normal gravity, bones are constantly subjected to stress from weight-bearing activities, which helps maintain bone density through a process called remodeling. In space, the lack of gravitational forces leads to a decrease in bone density, particularly in weight-bearing bones, making astronauts more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis. To combat this, astronauts engage in regular exercise while in space to help stimulate bone health.


Why do you lose bone density in space?

In space, the lack of gravity-induced pressure on your bones leads to decreased bone density because your body does not need to support its weight in the same way as it does on Earth. As a result, astronauts in space experience bone loss due to reduced mechanical stress on their bones, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.


What happens to astronauts in space for a long period of time?

Their bones, heart, and muscles begin to waste away because they cannot strengthen themselves by working against Earth's gravity; if they return from over 8 months in space, their bones would instantly break. It's not a pretty picture.


How long can astronauts survive in space?

Astronauts can survive in space for a limited amount of time without protection due to the lack of oxygen and extreme temperatures. In the vacuum of space, they would quickly lose consciousness due to lack of oxygen, but the exact time frame can vary based on the individual. With the appropriate gear and protection, such as a spacesuit or spacecraft, astronauts can survive for extended periods of time in space.

Related Questions

Why do astronauts lose bones?

they dont lose bones you fool! where would they go? what, do they flush them out their space toilets?


What happens to your bones when you are weightless?

What happens to your bones when you are weightless, is that your bones will get weaker and weaker. That is why everyday, astronauts, have to spend two hours on a treadmill everyday of there space expedition.


What happens to the muscles of astronauts who are in space for an extended period?

They weaken


What happens to the muscle of astronauts who are in space of an extended period?

Astronauts' muscles atrophy in space due to the decreased work they do without Earth's gravity.


What happens to astronauts's sweat when they do exercise?

there sweat starts to float in the space shuttle because once the astronauts are exercising in space they would start to sweat


What happens to astronauts bodies in space?

Their bodies would become very weak.


Why do astronauts in space can develop bone weakness?

Astronauts in space can develop bone weakness due to the microgravity environment, which significantly reduces the mechanical loading on their bones. In normal gravity, bones are constantly subjected to stress from weight-bearing activities, which helps maintain bone density through a process called remodeling. In space, the lack of gravitational forces leads to a decrease in bone density, particularly in weight-bearing bones, making astronauts more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis. To combat this, astronauts engage in regular exercise while in space to help stimulate bone health.


What problems can be caused by an astronauts bones getting thinner?

When an astronaut goes to space, the lack of gravity in the capsule or the space station will make his bones and joints very weak. A period of 2-hour exercise is required every day so that his bones will not shatter when he returns to Earth. Technically the astronauts' bones will not get thinner, but instead weaker. Problems like osteoporosis can be caused if the astronaut stays in space for extended periods of time.


Astronauts are--who fly in space?

Astronauts are people who fly in space


What types of astronauts are there on a space mission?

trained space astronauts


Why do you lose bone density in space?

In space, the lack of gravity-induced pressure on your bones leads to decreased bone density because your body does not need to support its weight in the same way as it does on Earth. As a result, astronauts in space experience bone loss due to reduced mechanical stress on their bones, which can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures.


What happens to astronauts in space for a long period of time?

Their bones, heart, and muscles begin to waste away because they cannot strengthen themselves by working against Earth's gravity; if they return from over 8 months in space, their bones would instantly break. It's not a pretty picture.