Shuttle-Mir History/SM Background/Life in Microgravity

History

Shuttle-Mir Background - Life in Microgravity

One of the benefits of the Shuttle-Mir Program is the experience gained from working in a microgravity environment. This Shuttle-Mir web site offers many interesting insights and stories, including astronauts' comments on microgravity and the results of several science investigations in the fields of life sciences, medicine and manufacture.

Gravity is everywhere, but it is not felt in an orbiting spacecraft, where the sensation is more like that felt in an aircraft during a "free fall." Objects and people appear to be floating, although they still possess the same mass, which is evident in their inertia. This situation can be compared to a large boat floating near a dock; a person can easily move the boat, while still feeling its inertia, or "heft."

Living and working in microgravity presents pleasures and problems. Outside a spacecraft, astronauts performing EVAs (spacewalks) can move large objects, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, but they must use devices such as foot restraints and tethers to keep themselves from floating away while they work. Inside a spacecraft, astronauts "float about" freely and can use more of the craft's volume and can sleep as though "on a cloud." However, many astronauts develop short-term "space sickness." Also, tools can float away and simple activities such as eating require special techniques. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to microgravity causes changes in the human body, including bone loss and muscle atrophy and changes in blood and fluids circulation. These can partly be countered by strenuous exercising while in orbit.

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