MicroFactzzz#0012 · 🌌 Cosmic Oddities
Astronauts Actually Grow Taller in Space
Without gravity compressing the spine, astronauts come back from missions temporarily taller than when they left.
On Earth, gravity constantly compresses the spine, gently squeezing the discs between vertebrae all day long — that's why people are slightly shorter in the evening than in the morning.
In microgravity, that pressure disappears. The spinal discs expand and the spine lengthens — astronauts can grow up to 3 to 5 centimeters during an extended stay in orbit.
The effect is temporary and, unfortunately, uncomfortable: back on Earth, gravity quickly compresses the spine again, which can be painful and requires rehabilitation.
It's one reason spacesuits and spacecraft seats are designed with some margin for the crew's changing height.
Sources
- General knowledge / encyclopedic sources
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Krulicza Nora
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