Microgravity’s Impact on Human Thermoregulation
Recently, Voyager 1 reached a distance of 25 billion kilometres from Earth, marking it as the farthest human-made object in space. As humanity contemplates future manned missions to such distances, understanding human physiology in microgravity becomes crucial. Recent research from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) marks challenges in thermoregulation, the body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature, in microgravity environments.
About Microgravity
Microgravity is a condition of apparent weightlessness experienced in space. It occurs when objects are in free-fall orbit around Earth. While gravity is still present, it is weaker, leading to unique physiological effects on the human body. This environment impacts bones, muscles, blood circulation, metabolism, and thermoregulation.
The Importance of Thermoregulation
Thermoregulation is vital for maintaining optimal body temperature. In space, the body’s response to temperature changes is altered due to microgravity. Factors such as age, fitness, and body composition affect how individuals regulate temperature. Understanding these variations is essential for astronaut health during long-duration missions.
The IIST Thermoregulation Model
Researchers at IIST developed a 3D computational model to simulate heat movement in the human body under microgravity. This model incorporates factors like sweating, shivering, clothing effects, and organ heat. Key findings include:
- Hands and feet cool down in microgravity.
- Core body areas, including the head and abdomen, become warmer.
- During exercise, body temperature rises more rapidly in space.
Implications of the Findings
The model predicts that core body temperature can increase from 36.3°C to 37.8°C after 2.5 months in microgravity. With exercise, temperatures may approach 40°C, posing health risks. The researchers validated the model’s accuracy using data from the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station (ISS), confirming its predictive capabilities.
Applications Beyond Space Travel
The thermoregulation model has broader applications. It can enhance safety and comfort in various fields such as clothing design and architecture. For example, it helps clothiers design apparel that maintains optimal body temperature. In architecture, it aids in creating buildings that mitigate heat stress. In medicine, these models guide temperature management during surgeries, ensuring patient safety.
Universal Thermal Climate Index
The model also estimates the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which indicates perceived temperature by considering wind, humidity, and sunlight. This index is valuable for understanding comfort levels in different environments, both in space and on Earth.
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