Going into space is a tremendous experience, which can generate changes both physically and psychologically. One of the alterations is that astronauts grow from two to five centimeters, 3% taller.
This type of situation generates some discomfort among space travelers, but it is something that happens yes or yes. In some the change is greater; in others, less. But it happens.
In 2018, the Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai He said on his Twitter account: “I’m a little worried if I’ll get into the seat of the Soyuz spacecraft when I return.” He claimed that he had grown nine centimeters, but it turned out to be a mistake: there were only two.
Two years earlier, the British Tim Peake counted from space in an interaction with schoolchildren who did not know how tall he was, “But the other day I sat in my Soyuz seat and realized that it was higher than when I got out. So I’ve probably grown an inch or two.
Therefore, the seats of the ships and the suits are manufactured with this in mind. But what is the reason?
Due to the effect of gravity on the spine of the astronauts.
The effect of gravity on the height of astronauts
each spinal disc it is separated by cartilages, which are tough but flexible tissues. On Earth, gravity compresses the spine; but in space, due to microgravity, it expands.
“In the microgravity environment of space”, explains the British Space Center, “cushion-like cartilage does not feel the same compressive force and therefore the spine can lengthen.”
However, the effect is not permanent. Once the person returns to Earth, with the gravity of our planet the bones of the spine are again compressed.
NASA conducted an experiment with twin astronauts Scott and Mike Kelly. The former spent 340 days in space, while the latter remained on Earth.
Scott experienced growth in various parts of his body, but Mike stayed the same. The growth of the astronaut who was on the International Space Station was on a small scale, and after his return to our planet he returned to be the size of his brother.
So you already know: if you want to be taller, try to be an astronaut. The effect will only last in space, but that’s something.
