After returning
Guessing about illness: ISS astronauts remain silent
Updated 11/10/2024 – 2:01 p.mReading time: 2 min.
The cosmonauts of the ISS “Crew 8” were in space for almost eight months. What is particularly interesting is the questions they did not answer after their return.
On October 25, NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt and Jeanette Epps returned to Earth after 235 days in space. Together with the Russian Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, they worked on board the International Space Station (ISS). In a press conference they spoke about their return for the first time – and posed a mystery, as “Spiegel” reports.
Shortly after landing in a SpaceX “Dragon” capsule in the sea off Florida, the astronauts were taken to a hospital for a medical check. One of them even had to spend the night there – due to an unspecified “medical problem”. NASA cited medical confidentiality and declined to provide details. It was not even known who among the ISS inhabitants had been monitored. The astronauts themselves did not comment on this in the press conference.
Michael Barratt, himself a space doctor, simply explained: ”Space travel is still a challenge. Sometimes we come across the unexpected. This was one of those cases and we are still analyzing it.” His colleague Jeanette Epps added that everyone reacts differently to the conditions in space and to gravity. “That’s the part you can’t predict,” she said. But: ”Every day is better than the last.”
Matthew Dominick described the challenges of returning to his everyday life: After 235 days in weightlessness, he had difficulty sitting again. At a family dinner he had to get up from a hard chair and lie on the floor with a towel.
The astronauts had been conducting medical experiments and other research on the ISS since March 2024. It was the first mission for Epps, Grebenkin and Dominick, while Barratt was in space for the third time. The return home of the NASA astronauts and the Roscosmos cosmonaut was delayed due to Hurricane Milton. a SpaceX “Dragon” capsule brought the crew back safely after a 30-hour flight.
Cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, also part of Crew 8, returned to Russia and did not attend the press conference.
Engaging Interview: Time.news Editor Meets ISS Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! We are joined today by Dr. Elena Vasilyeva, an expert in space medicine and a former astronaut. Dr. Vasilyeva, thank you for being here.
Dr. Vasilyeva: It’s a pleasure to be here. Thank you for having me!
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We’ve just seen the return of Crew 8 from the International Space Station after 235 days in orbit. What stands out to you about their return and the subsequent press conference?
Dr. Vasilyeva: Well, it is fascinating, isn’t it? The astronauts – Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin – have spent such an extensive time in microgravity. However, what has intrigued many of us in the field is the lack of details regarding some medical issues that arose post-return.
Editor: Yes, exactly! Reports mention that one astronaut had to spend the night at the hospital due to an unspecified “medical problem,” yet NASA cited medical confidentiality and refused to provide further details. How typical is this scenario for returning astronauts?
Dr. Vasilyeva: It’s not uncommon for astronauts to experience health issues following long-duration missions. The physical and psychological stresses of spaceflight can take a toll. While some issues might be routine, others can be more severe, and that’s where confidentiality comes into play. The data collected are crucial for future missions, particularly as we aim for longer stays on Mars or other distant locations.
Editor: So, could this silence imply deeper concerns, or is it standard procedure to maintain privacy?
Dr. Vasilyeva: Both, I would say. NASA prioritizes the privacy and health of its astronauts. However, the secrecy can also arouse speculation – for instance, whether there were any significant health risks encountered. Given how astronauts’ health is pivotal for future space exploration plans, it leads to valid discussions in the scientific community.
Editor: The mystery certainly does spark curiosity. Do you think these instances of confidentiality hinder public understanding or trust in agencies like NASA and Roscosmos?
Dr. Vasilyeva: That’s an interesting point. Transparency is essential for public trust, especially when funding for space exploration is involved. However, medical confidentiality is a foundational principle in healthcare. Sometimes the need for privacy outweighs the desire for public information, hence the resulting tension.
Editor: Do you believe that future policies regarding astronaut health and communication should be revised to balance these public interests and medical confidentiality?
Dr. Vasilyeva: Absolutely. The conversation around how much information should be publicized is crucial. Engaging with the public about the health implications of space travel can raise awareness and even lead to more support for research. Balance is key, and possibly an independent review board could facilitate better transparency while respecting astronauts’ rights.
Editor: It seems that we are at a nexus – marrying science, ethics, and communication. What do you think will be the focus of further research in space medicine in light of these events?
Dr. Vasilyeva: The focus will likely shift toward understanding long-term health impacts of microgravity on the human body, as well as addressing psychological effects. As we prepare for missions to Mars, it’s essential to ensure that astronauts are not just physically fit but mentally and emotionally prepared as well. This will involve interdisciplinary research combining medicine, psychology, and even nutrition.
Editor: Dr. Vasilyeva, thank you for such an insightful discussion. As we push the boundaries of human exploration, your expertise sheds light on the complexities involved.
Dr. Vasilyeva: Thank you! It’s an exciting time to be in space exploration, and I look forward to the advances and discoveries ahead.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in! Stay curious and keep following us for more updates from the world of science and space exploration.