Space travel has always fascinated humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology. From the moment humans set foot on the moon to the exciting possibilities of Mars missions, space exploration continues to captivate us. However, the universe is full of unexpected revelations, and space travel is no exception. Here are 10 surprising facts about space travel that might astonish you.
1. Astronauts’ Height Changes in Space
One of the most unexpected effects of space travel is the increase in astronauts’ height. While in space, the absence of gravity allows the spine to expand, as there is no pressure on the bones and muscles. Astronauts can grow by up to 2 inches during a mission. However, once they return to Earth and gravity resumes its usual pull, they return to their regular height.
2. Space Suits Are Designed for Extreme Temperatures
Space can be incredibly cold, with temperatures dropping to -270°C (-454°F), but when exposed to sunlight, temperatures can soar to 120°C (248°F). This wide temperature fluctuation is why astronauts wear space suits equipped with insulation, heat regulation systems, and temperature-resistant materials. These suits must keep astronauts alive in extreme conditions, providing both warmth and cooling depending on where they are in space.
3. You Can’t Cry in Space… or Can You?
In microgravity, tears don’t fall as they do on Earth. Instead, they form small globules that can cling to astronauts’ eyes. This can be uncomfortable, and while it’s difficult to cry in space, astronauts can still experience emotions. However, the lack of gravity causes tears to float around, making the simple act of crying quite a challenge.
4. Astronauts Smell Like “Burnt” Steak Upon Return
Upon re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere, astronauts often report that their spacesuits smell like burnt steak or a metallic odor. This strange smell is likely due to the interaction between the spacecraft’s heat shields and the intense friction of re-entry. It’s a fascinating example of how space travel exposes us to sensory experiences that we would never have imagined.
5. The First Person to Travel to Space Was Not an Astronaut
While Yuri Gagarin is widely known as the first man in space, the first human to ever leave Earth was actually a cosmonaut from Russia. However, prior to Gagarin, the Soviet Union launched the first man-made satellite, Sputnik, which helped lead to the space race. Gagarin’s landmark flight in 1961 was followed by a historic mission that would make space travel one of the most groundbreaking feats of human achievement.
6. Astronauts’ Blood Changes in Space
Astronauts face some surprising health effects after spending time in space. One of the most unusual changes is that their blood composition shifts. Without the pull of gravity, the body doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate blood. This can lead to changes in the amount of red blood cells and plasma. Long-term space travel can even impact bone density and muscle mass.
7. Space Is Full of “Space Junk”
Space isn’t as empty as we might think. Orbiting Earth are millions of pieces of debris, from defunct satellites to rocket parts, bits of broken space equipment, and even tiny paint flecks. This space junk poses a risk to astronauts, satellites, and other spacecraft. Measures are now being taken to deal with the growing problem of space debris, including plans to remove or safely deorbit debris.
8. The International Space Station (ISS) Moves Faster Than a Bullet
The International Space Station orbits Earth at a staggering speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). This means that it completes an orbit around Earth approximately every 90 minutes, traveling faster than a bullet. At this speed, astronauts on the ISS experience 16 sunrises and sunsets every day.
9. Astronauts Can’t Taste Food the Same Way in Space
Without gravity, the human sense of taste changes in space. Due to fluid redistribution in the body, astronauts often experience stuffy noses, which dulls their sense of taste. As a result, space food tends to be more highly seasoned than normal to make it taste better. Some astronauts have even compared eating in space to eating while you have a cold.
10. Space is So Quiet You Can Hear Your Own Heartbeat
Because space is a vacuum, there’s no sound, and astronauts inside their spacecraft experience an eerie quietness. While in the vacuum of space, even the faintest sounds, such as the beating of one’s heart or the sound of one’s own breathing, become much more pronounced. This silence is a stark contrast to the noise-filled world we’re used to on Earth.
Conclusion: The Thrill of Space Exploration
Space travel continues to intrigue us with its unexpected wonders and challenges. The journey to the stars is not only a feat of engineering and human ingenuity but also a reminder of the strange, mysterious forces of the universe. From the physical effects on the human body to the strange smells and sounds of space, it’s clear that space travel is far more complex than we ever imagined. With each new discovery, humanity continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, leaving us to wonder what other surprises space has in store.
