Shenzhou 19 Astronauts' Space Life: The Truth Behind "Puffy" Faces and the Challenges of Space

Shenzhou 19 Astronauts' Space Life: The Truth Behind "Puffy" Faces and the Challenges of SpaceShenzhou 19's Space Mission: Efficient Work and Vibrant LifeOver the past month, with the cooperation of ground personnel, the Shenzhou 19 crew successfully completed their first full-system emergency pressure drill and in-orbit medical training. Furthermore, they regularly conduct station duties and space station maintenance and inspection, ensuring a clean space station environment and the safety of extravehicular activities

Shenzhou 19 Astronauts' Space Life: The Truth Behind "Puffy" Faces and the Challenges of Space

On October 30th, the Shenzhou 19 crewed spacecraft successfully launched, sending three astronauts on their journey to space. Over the past month, footage released by CCTV has showcased the astronauts' daily work in orbit, sparking public interest and raising questions about their space life. Most notably, the astronauts' noticeably "puffy" faces have attracted significant attention. This phenomenon is not simply due to diet, but rather a physiological response to the body's adaptation to a weightless environment. This article delves into the various aspects of the Shenzhou 19 astronauts' life in orbit, unraveling the mystery of the "puffy" faces and highlighting the immense effort these astronauts undertake.

Shenzhou 19's Space Mission: Efficient Work and Vibrant Life

Since docking with the space station on October 30th, the Shenzhou 19 crew has completed two phases of their mission. The first phase involved a five-day overlap with the Shenzhou 18 crew, smoothly completing in-orbit handover, cargo organization, and experiment sample collation. The second phase focused on adapting to the weightless environment and the pace of space work, while systematically carrying out various scientific experiments. On November 15th, the Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the space station, delivering a massive shipment of supplies from Earth, providing ample material support for the Shenzhou 19 crew. (Source: Guangming Net, November 15, 2024 "Cosmic Delivery Guy" Is About to Depart, Shenzhou 19 Astronauts Please "Receive Goods!")

Over the past month, with the cooperation of ground personnel, the Shenzhou 19 crew successfully completed their first full-system emergency pressure drill and in-orbit medical training. Furthermore, they regularly conduct station duties and space station maintenance and inspection, ensuring a clean space station environment and the safety of extravehicular activities. Beyond their work, the astronauts also enjoy their downtime on the space station. Upon the arrival of Tianzhou 8 supplies, the Shenzhou 19 astronauts held a lively "space mukbang," and the heartwarming footage sparked enthusiastic discussions online. (Source: Guangming Net, November 15, 2024 "Cosmic Delivery Guy" Is About to Depart, Shenzhou 19 Astronauts Please "Receive Goods!")

The Mystery of "Puffy" Faces in Space: Not Diet, but a Weightless Effect

Official footage clearly shows that the three astronauts have noticeably rounder faces compared to before launch. This phenomenon is commonly observed in astronauts after extended stays on the space station. Previously, when the Shenzhou 19 and Shenzhou 18 crews met, it was already noted that astronauts who had spent a long time on the space station experienced facial "swelling." (Source: China Youth Net, November 18, 2024 "Residing in 'Tiangong' for Over Half a Month, Shenzhou 19 Crew Efficiently Carries Out Various In-Orbit Tasks")

Many speculate that it's due to excellent food on the Tiangong space station, but this is incorrect. Astronauts engage in regular physical exercise, including treadmill training and pull-ups, to maintain their health. (Source: China Youth Net, November 18, 2024 "Residing in 'Tiangong' for Over Half a Month, Shenzhou 19 Crew Efficiently Carries Out Various In-Orbit Tasks")

So, what is the real reason for the astronauts' "puffy" faces? It is closely related to the different gravitational environments on Earth and in space. On Earth, gravity causes body fluids to concentrate more in the lower body. Standing up suddenly after squatting for a long time can cause temporary dizziness as blood needs time to return to the upper body. However, in the microgravity environment of space, blood distribution is more even, and fluids that were previously in the lower body shift upwards, leading to facial swelling. (Source: Dahe Net, October 31, 2023 Why were the astronauts' faces swollen after exiting the capsule upon returning from Shenzhou 16, and why did they need to be carried?)

This facial "swelling" is not actual "weight gain" but a result of fluid redistribution. Increased fluid in the upper body leads to increased blood flow to the brain, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, and fatigue in astronauts. This phenomenon is unavoidable, experienced by everyone who goes into space, and currently has no good solution. Astronauts can only alleviate these symptoms through training and adaptation. (Source: Dahe Net, October 31, 2023 Why were the astronauts' faces swollen after exiting the capsule upon returning from Shenzhou 16, and why did they need to be carried?)

Space Challenges: The Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body

Besides facial swelling, prolonged exposure to a weightless environment severely impacts the skeletal system, leading to calcium loss, bone thinning and weakening, and potentially inability to bear one's own weight in severe cases. To counteract the effects of microgravity on bones and muscles, astronauts undergo rigorous physical training daily during spaceflight. (Source: Dahe Net, October 31, 2023 Why were the astronauts' faces swollen after exiting the capsule upon returning from Shenzhou 16, and why did they need to be carried?)

The differences between the environments of Earth and space are immense, and astronauts face many physiological challenges in space. We can only strive to mitigate these risks, not eliminate them entirely. An astronaut's space journey is far more arduous and sacrificial than we imagine. (Source: Dahe Net, October 31, 2023 Why were the astronauts' faces swollen after exiting the capsule upon returning from Shenzhou 16, and why did they need to be carried?)

Tribute to the Heroes of Space: Silent Dedication and Great Achievement

The brilliant achievements of China's manned space program are inseparable from the silent dedication and contributions of its astronauts. To propel China's manned space program to the forefront of the world, they have made efforts and sacrifices unimaginable to ordinary people. It is reported that each astronaut requires up to six months of rehabilitation training after returning from space, illustrating the immense impact of space travel on the body. We sincerely hope that every astronaut will successfully complete their mission and return safely. (Source: Dahe Net, October 31, 2023 Why were the astronauts' faces swollen after exiting the capsule upon returning from Shenzhou 16, and why did they need to be carried?)

Conclusion

The space life of the Shenzhou 19 astronauts not only demonstrates the progress of China's manned space technology but also allows us to gain a deeper understanding of the hardships and greatness of the space endeavor. For national honor and scientific advancement, they silently dedicate themselves at the expense of their own health, deserving our highest respect and deepest gratitude. Their dedication has forged the brilliance of China's space program and inspires us to continuously explore the mysteries of the universe.

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