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Microgravity on the International Space Station: How does it affect human health and future space exploration?
The International Space Station (ISS) provides a unique platform for scientific research, with unique conditions of microgravity, cosmic radiation, and extreme temperatures that have profound implications for human health and future space exploration. Since 2000, the ISS has become a venue for humans to conduct various scientific experiments, including space medicine, life sciences, physical sciences, and astronomy.
From its inception to the present day, the ISS has played an important role in the study of long-term space exposure. NASA data shows that astronauts' blood, muscle and bone health are affected by microgravity in space, and these changes may pose a risk to the feasibility of manned missions to Mars. For example, studies have found that long-term microgravity environments can cause bone loss and muscle atrophy, factors that can lead to fractures and motor dysfunction that astronauts may encounter when they return to Earth or land on a new planet.
"In microgravity, fluids behave very differently than they do on Earth."
In addition to the physiological effects on the human body, researchers are also beginning to understand the effects of microgravity on plants and microorganisms, and exploring how to grow three-dimensional human tissues and protein crystals in such an environment. NASA's program aims to study the effects of microgravity on materials science to promote potential benefits to the economy and the environment.
Research and Exploration of Space Medicine
Large-scale medical research aboard the ISS is led by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI). One of the studies that stood out was... Advanced Microgravity Ultrasound Diagnostic Research. The study involves astronauts conducting ultrasound scans under professional guidance with the goal of improving the ability to diagnose and treat diseases in space. Since there are currently no doctors stationed on the ISS, this technology may also have potential applications on Earth, especially in remote areas or emergency situations.
"The microgravity environment will help us better understand the physical properties of fluids."
On the other hand, the low gravity environment of the ISS allows researchers to observe how certain reactions change under low gravity and low temperatures, which will enhance our understanding of superconductivity. Studies of combustion processes have also shown that the low-gravity environment has a profound effect on the efficiency of combustion and the control of pollutants, which has the potential to improve our understanding of energy production.
Earth Observation Capabilities
During the 2010s, the ISS made significant advances in remote sensing technology. With the completion of the US orbital segment by NASA in 2011, the ISS has become an important base for Earth observation, cosmic research, and deep space exploration. Researchers conduct multiple experiments on the ISS to observe aerosols, ozone, water vapor, etc. in the Earth's atmosphere, and to understand the operation of dark matter and dark energy in the universe.
"Experiments in space provide us with new perspectives on Earth and the universe."
As the experiment progressed, ISS also conducted a popular automated manufacturing technology experiment since 2018, aiming to test the system for producing artificial retinas in a microgravity environment. The progress is significant and human trials may begin before 2027. This breakthrough may change the field of vision medicine.
Future challenges and opportunities
The persistent effects on the human body in a microgravity environment are a challenge that engineers and scientists must face. The ISS's multifunctional experimental platform not only helps advance science and technology, but also opens new doors for human space exploration. Space conferences, international collaboration, and strengthened public-private partnerships will all contribute to the feasibility of future space missions. Will space exploration become the way for human survival in the future?
