After 340 days in space, astronaut Scott Kelly has just returned to Earth. He was pulled from a charred capsule, smaller than a large SUV. If that sounds like a bad thing, you would be right in almost any other circumstance. For Kelly, it was a triumphant return.
If 340 days sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. He now holds the record for days spent in space by an American. He spent nearly a year without ever feeling dragged down. Without ever dropping anything (instead it just would float next to him.) Without being able to use a toilet like we do. He went nearly a year on one of the most expensive diets in the universe (the cost of getting food to the ISS is about $10,000 a pound.) And he did all this in the name of science.
Kelly’s purpose in spending such a long time orbiting Earth was to carry out science experiments, and more importantly, to test the long term effects of life without gravity. Bouncing around and floating from place to place may sound like fun, but it has its drawbacks. Without the pull of gravity, muscles get very little use. Muscles that aren’t used will degrade. So, how does a person who spent nearly a year without gravity keep from losing all muscle? Well, that was part of the reason behind his trip. NASA wanted to test methods of exercise in zero-g and carefully watch his physical health before, during and after his mission. To help with this, they employed Kelly’s twin brother Mark to undergo similar tests here on Earth to help ascertain specific changes that space may have made to Scott's body. We’re living in the future guys.
I have long admired astronauts, and often have longed to be one. Commander Kelly and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Kornienko (who went up and came down with him) are true heroes. They have advanced science and space exploration. These brave astronauts are paving the way for NASA to send astronauts to Mars, as well as ensuring that future space travelers can stay healthier. I am immensely proud of both astronauts, and for all those involved in countries across the world. We are on the brink of great potential in space travel, and Commander Kelly and those like him are leading the way. From all of us stuck here on Earth, thanks to those who reach closer to the stars.
