Weightlessness and its Effects

What is Weightlessness?

Weightlessness is the state of not experiencing the effects of gravitational pull, it is a feeling of being weightless. This occurs when one moves away from the surface of the earth. When one moves away from the surface of the earth,  the gravitational pull of the earth progressively reduces. In outer space, a person has no weight because the gravitational pull of the earth is no longer acting there.

Weightlessness has some effects on the functioning of the human body. When astronauts spend a long time in space and return, the medical examination carried out on them reveals some health challenges and symptoms which are given under the effects of weightlessness.

Effects of Weightlessness

• Loss of calcium from their bones.

• Nausea congestion.

• space sickness with nausea and vomiting.

• Muscle Weakness: This is because they no longer need muscles to carry their weight.

• Reduction in size of hands and legs: Their hands and legs become thinner than before.

• Decrease in heart size.

• Lightheadedness.

• Reduced total blood volume, particularly loss of red blood cells.