1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910254594103321

Autore

Thornton William

Titolo

The Human Body and Weightlessness : Operational Effects, Problems and Countermeasures / / by William Thornton, Frederick Bonato

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Cham : , : Springer International Publishing : , : Imprint : Springer, , 2017

ISBN

3-319-32829-8

Edizione

[1st ed. 2017.]

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (XIX, 320 p. 181 illus., 142 illus. in color.)

Disciplina

571.4

Soggetti

Biophysics

Biological physics

Human physiology

Aerospace engineering

Astronautics

Rehabilitation

Space sciences

Biological and Medical Physics, Biophysics

Human Physiology

Aerospace Technology and Astronautics

Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics, Space Exploration and Astronautics)

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references at the end of each chapters and index.

Nota di contenuto

1. An Introduction to Weightlessness and Its Effects on Humans -- 2. Basic Mechanisms -- 3. Space Motion Sickness and Vestibular Adaptation to Weightlessness -- 4. Fluid Shifts and Loss -- 5. Cephalic Fluid Dynamics and Ocular Changes in Weightlessness -- 6. Loss of Muscle and Bone During Spaceflight -- 7. Countermeasures to Loss of Muscle and Bone During Spaceflight -- 8. Loss of Aerobic Capacity During Weightlessness -- 9. Neuromuscular Inhibition -- 10. Loss of Body Mass During Weightlessness -- 11. Accommodations to Weightlessness.

Sommario/riassunto

This book focuses on all of the major problems associated with the



absence of body weight in space, by analyzing effects, adaption, and re-adaptation upon returning to Earth, using sound scientific principles embedded in a historical context. Serious problems for space travelers range from Space Motion Sickness (SMS) to recently discovered ocular effects that may permanently impair vision. Fluid loss and shifts, spinal changes, and bone and muscle loss are also all results of weightlessness. Starting with a brief definition and history of weightlessness, the authors then address in detail each problem as well as the countermeasures aimed at alleviating them. In some cases, alternative hypotheses regarding what can and should be attempted are also presented. As plans for long-term missions to the Moon and Mars develop, it will be essential to find countermeasures to weightlessness that are effective for missions that could span years.