Good meme but also I’m guessing they don’t really mind lol
Bone density loss, radiation exposure, extended recovery time post microgravity.
I’m sure they mind as much as all those things matter.
Yeah I mean, they only signed up to be there for so long. And are they paid on a contract? If so they are literally just losing money.
Bone density loss is combatted with exercise. Also people have spent longer then what the Starliner astronauts will in space. So radiation isn’t a huge concern
Even with exercise, bone and muscle density deteriorate in microgravity. More radiation than planned is generally not a good thing. Is it generally fine? Yes. But being exposed to more of it due to Boeing using unqualified labor to assemble their tickets is absolutely an issue.
I also imagine you prep very differently for an 8 day mission vs a 6 month mission. In terms of physical fitness, trainings, family life etc.
Hiring a dogsitter, making sure the house is maintained and tidy, everything. Think about the difference between going on a 1 week vacation and taking an entire year to go hike a triple crown trail.
Psychological fitness, too. 8 days away from civilizations is a very different mental state to get into than 8 months away.
On the upside, it will be great scientifically to see how long term space living effects those not fully prepared for it. I’m sure they are better than your average earthling, but it will be useful to see how they compare mentally, physically, etc, to other long term astronauts.
There are significant health complications that come with long term space travel.
- Bone density loss. From the lack of daily impact on the skeleton from walking, moving around, and lifting things.
- Loss of muscle mass, also from the lack of use. ISS residents need to adhere to a pretty strict workout regimen, and still have issues with significant muscle loss when they return to earth.
- Radiation exposure. The atmosphere protects us from a lot of radiation, simply due to the fact that air has mass, and is able to stop a lot of radioactive particles before they reach the surface. Airline flight crews (like pilots and attendants) are considered an increased radiation risk, because they spend so much time at high altitudes. It’s even worse in the ISS, where the only thing between them and radiation is some thin glass and aluminum.
- Loss of coordination. Returning to the surface is more disorienting the longer you have been in space. Basically, you get used to the way microgravity feels, and suddenly experiencing gravity again is a shock to your system. You’ll constantly drop things because you’re used to things just floating when you let go of them. You’ll fall over, because you’re not used to actively keeping yourself upright. The same way long-term respirator patients need to re-learn how to breathe after being taken off the machine, long-term microgravity means you need to re-learn how to exist in gravity.
