The BBC 'Future' series about space is engrossing

If you are interested in that subject. Covers a wide range of topics related to space travel, etc.

Some excerpts from a story discussing the effects of space travel on humans:

quote:

---

“Your body preferentially drives fluid towards the upper part of the body,” explains Fong. “When you’re in microgravity, all those systems still work to push fluids to the upper body, unopposed by gravity, so you get this swelling of tissues in the head.”

---

quote:

---

Astronauts often report “seeing” bright flashes of light, which are caused by cosmic rays passing through their brains.

---

quote:

---

In June 2010, the European Space Agency and Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems sent six men on a 520 day mission to Mars and back in a mock-up spacecraft in a Moscow suburb to examine the stresses of long-duration spaceflight and the challenges of isolation.
The journey to Mars was fine – they were on an exciting adventure, with plenty to do. The simulated Mars walk also went well. However, the return to Earth was the most difficult. The routine had become dull, the crew fractious and the days seemed to drag. It was, in short, boring.
Space agencies are still grappling with the psychological challenges of being cooped up in an automated tin can, drinking recycled urine with the vastness of space outside the window.

---

LINK