Artemis II astronaut Christina Koch still wobbly while adapting to gravity after moon mission
KUSA.com • • science
Key Points:
- NASA astronaut Christina Koch revealed difficulties in adjusting to Earth's gravity after the Artemis II mission, demonstrated by her struggle to perform a tandem walk with eyes closed.
- Koch explained that living in microgravity disrupts the vestibular system, causing the brain to rely heavily on visual cues for balance upon return to Earth.
- The astronauts, including Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Jeremy Hansen, have undergone extensive medical testing post-splashdown to assess balance, vision, muscle strength, and coordination.
- They also performed exercises in spacewalking suits under simulated lunar gravity to evaluate endurance and dexterity for future moonwalks.
- Koch noted that their bodies are already adapting back to Earth's gravity seven days after returning from the lunar mission.
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