Becoming an astronaut may seem like an alluring and ideal career path, but it’s not all glamor and adventure when you’re 50 miles above the Earth. A recent piece from New York Times reports that life in space presents various “bodily indignities” that should make even the most enthusiastic space explorers think twice.
In an environment where gravity is non-existent, regular bodily functions are greatly affected. For instance, increased blood volume in the upper body can lead to vision issues. Also, fluids can accumulate in facial tissues, leading to a puffy face and sinus congestion. Furthermore, taste and smell senses can be weakened due to fluid-filled noses, making meals less appetizing.
Other unpleasant effects include a space station that tends to smell like body odor or farts, bloating, and belching problems due to the lack of gravity. Astronauts also endure bladder problems, with urine not always collecting at the base of the organ.
The intensely unpleasant aspects of space travel are truly eye-opening, and you can find out more about it at the New York Times.
