University of Calgary

Published purpose

The effect of long-duration space flight on bone microarchitecture and strength using three-dimensional high resolution imaging. Our bones continually adapt to support our body weight in a gravity environment. Bones become weaker when everyday stresses are reduced. Astronauts lose bone strenght rapidly while in space due to weightlessness and reduced exercise. The purpose of this study is to understand the time-course of bone strength loss in space. We will use high resolution bone imaging to investigate how long it takes for bone loss to stabilize in space and whether stabilization differs between first-time and repeat flier astronauts. Results will help understand how to ensure astronauts remain healthier on longer-duration missions and the risks of very long spaceflights in the future.