When astronauts return to Earth from space, they can experience a number of health and physical issues after they land — a result of living without gravity. For flights that go as long as six months, astronauts can experience difficulties with balance, muscle weakness and cardiovascular deconditioning, according to NASA. Although the Inspiration4 flight was only three days long, the four astronauts returning will also receive a health screening. Health researchers working with Inspiration4 said the astronauts were to undertake some experiments that gauge their sense of balance — standing without swaying and moving between sitting and standing positions. They will also perform a series of tests measuring their cognitive performance — the same ones they performed before liftoff and each during orbit.

Source: New York Times September 19, 2021 00:11 UTC