UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi is getting ready to conclude his nearly six-month stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and return home. Throughout his tenure on the ISS, AlNeyadi has been offering valuable observations about life in the unique space environment.
In a recent video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), he delved into both the physical and psychological repercussions of space travel and the process of readjusting to Earth’s conditions.
AlNeyadi particularly highlighted the difficulties that arise from living in microgravity, underscoring that the absence of pressure on bones and muscles can lead to challenges such as muscle atrophy and osteoporosis. To combat these issues, he and his crew engage in two hours of daily exercise to sustain their physical well-being.
Addressing the psychological strain linked to isolation in space, AlNeyadi noted that the ability to maintain communication with family and friends back on Earth, as well as working as a cohesive crew, helps alleviate the impact of this solitude. He further emphasized that the scenario could be notably different for future astronauts embarking on trips to Mars, where communication delays might intensify psychological challenges due to prolonged isolation.
“Space is an entirely distinct environment from Earth. Our mode of movement involves using our hands instead of walking with our feet. This limited muscular engagement could potentially lead to muscle atrophy,” AlNeyadi elucidated.
He added, “Moreover, the absence of pressure on our bones and lower body parts might contribute to the risk of osteoporosis.”
As AlNeyadi readies himself to return home, his experiences offer invaluable insights into the multifaceted dynamics of lengthy space missions, casting light on the intricate challenges that astronauts encounter during space travel.
