Physiological Adaptations to Life in Space: An Update

• Published in: Journal of aerospace technology and management Vol. 15
• Main Authors: Silva, Isadora de Carvalho e, Russomano, Thais, Ferreira, Ricardo Alves, Cupertino, Marli do Carmo, Alcântara, Fabíola Alves, Geller, Mauro, Cima, Oswaldo Monteiro Del, Siqueira-Batista, Rodrigo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial 01-01-2023; Instituto de Aeronáutica e Espaço (IAE)
• Subjects: Aerospace medicine; ENGINEERING, AEROSPACE; Gravitational physiology; Interplanetary flight; Space flight; Space tourism; Space tourism; Space flight; Gravitational physiology; Aerospace medicine; Interplanetary flight
• ISSN: 2175-9146; 2175-9146
• DOI: 10.1590/jatm.v15.1319

ABSTRACT The historic flight of cosmonaut Yuri Alekeseyevich Gagarin, in 1961, established the need for research regarding the physiological adaptations of the human body when exposed to the space environment. Since then, several morpho-functional transformations – varying between normal and pathological – have been identified within the organisms of astronauts subjected to the extremely disparate environments of the cosmos, consequently, comprehension and preparation of these transformations becomes essential, considering the possibilities (1) of returning to the Moon and (2) of initiating the trip to Mars. Accordingly, the purpose of this article – conceived as a narrative literature review – is to present the main aspects of the physiological modifications within the human body due to the extraterrestrial environment, with emphasis on cardiovascular, renal, hydroelectrolytic, hematological, immunological, respiratory, neurological, psychological, sensory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, musculoskeletal, integumentary, and genetic adaptations.