Effects of Weightlessness: From Astronaut Experiences, Scientific Research and More

This book examines the generally bad effects of weightlessness on the human body, which can include loss of bone and skeletal muscle mass, heart atrophy, immune system dysfunction and neurological problems. A large number of peer reviewed scientific studies are looked at and commented on. Some of the results of these studies have profound implications, which the author is not shy about pointing out. First hand accounts of the effects of weightlessness on a number of astronauts and cosmonauts are described and commented on. Other sources of information, including websites, are looked at if their ideas relating to weightlessness are interesting and seem well supported by facts. The ideas in this book are important to anyone who goes on a long space mission, especially to Mars or a nearby asteroid. Since the effects of weightlessness on the human body are similar to aging, except much faster, the author feels that this subject has relevance to almost everybody. The best known antidote to the effects of weightlessness has been found to be exercise, which is also able to slow down at least some of the effects of aging on Earth.