What happens when a routine space mission takes an unexpected turn, stretching into months-long stays in the void? This article delves into the captivating story of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, whose planned weeklong test flight has transformed into a much longer journey, shedding light on the profound physical and mental toll of extended space travel.
The RIDGE of Challenges
To travel into the open-ended expanse of space, astronauts will need to overcome several hurdles referred to as the acronym RIDGE. This is what NASA calls Radiation, Isolation/Confinement, Distance from Earth, Gravity Fields, and Extreme Hostile/Closed Environments.
This is even more difficult when conditions include being in a near-constant state of freefall, as astronauts are in space surrounded by microgravity, or not experiencing the same gravitational pull we have on Earth. This can cause a range of physical changes, such as space sickness, fluid shifts, and muscle atrophy. Spending extended periods with these conditions comes with far worse outcomes, like changes in gene expression, gut health, and mental processes.
The Perils of Isolation and Loneliness
Longer space missions also have a different consequence that is both difficult for us to obtain data on and potentially more important: the psychological impact. For an astronaut, tough-as-nails US Navy fighter pilot George Bowser (Agnew), this could be a reality as he and Vera Wilmore and Artemis Williams wrestle with fears of isolation and missing everyone they love back home on Earth.
These studies imply that a lack of social connection is detrimental to health, contributing to depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and higher cortisol levels. Although astronauts are likely well equipped to cope with these challenges, any unintended delay in their return to Earth may only increase the feeling of separation from nature and home that they experience even when accompanied by one another.
Lack of intimate relationships and close emotional connections can make astronaut-shift to new psychological issues such as loneliness. Perhaps not going insane via isolation and existential crisis out on the cosmic seas means bonding tight with your fellow shipmate, who you know truly sees you.
Conclusion
The story of Wilmore and Williams underscores the unfathomable realities that astronauts endure over such extended space trips. The RIDGE of adversity stands between us, with its physical challenges including but not limited to microgravity and radiation exposure, as well as the psychological threats of isolation, loneliness, and what we in these post-fact times call fake news. As more research is conducted that identify the effects of extended space travel. With all this, will help future humans from illnesses and take proper care through their long voyage in the dark beyond earthly realms.
