By Sakshi Sah
Published May 25, 2025

Hindustan Times
Trending

Photo Credit: NASA

What makes space travel so dangerous?

Going to space sounds exciting, but it comes with real dangers.

Here are 5 serious risks astronauts face on long missions.

There’s no protection from cosmic rays out there. It can damage cells and increase long-term health risks.

Hazard 1- Space radiation

Living in a small space with the same people for a long time can affect mood, sleep, and mental health.

Hazard 2- Isolation and confinement

The farther astronauts go, the harder it is to get help. Messages and supplies can take minutes or even months.

Hazard 3- Distance from Earth

Astronauts move between different gravity levels- this changes their bones, muscles, and balance.

Hazard 4- Gravity changes

Muscles shrink, bones lose strength, and even your sense of direction can change in low gravity.

The air, temperature, pressure, and even bacteria levels must be carefully controlled at all times.

Hazard 5- Closed environments

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