Looking for the legacy site? Click here
Astronaut: a man or woman whose job it is to fly in space. Astronauts are usually really good at math and science, and aren't scared of sitting on top of rockets.
Gravity: the attraction of one body to another. Gravity gives objects weight and causes them to fall to the ground if dropped... more

Going Back to Gravity

Astronaut getting carried after returning to Earth
Astronaut Paolo Nespoli being carried after returning to Earth from his mission, Sojuz TMA-20, to the International Space Station.

With all the changes that an astronaut’s body experiences in space, it’s surprising they can get used to their new conditions so quickly. Luckily, the body is also good at adjusting to life back on Earth.

Once an astronaut returns to Earth, gravity immediately starts to affect their bodies again. Though they may need to be carried off the ship, pretty soon everything starts to get back to normal.

Blood and fluids soon move normally around the body, and with training and practice, the astronauts will regain their muscle and bone strength before too long. Though they can’t tumble through the air as freely here on Earth, we can imagine that the familiar force of gravity must feel pretty good.

Read more about: Spaced Out Physiology
You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."
https://askabiologist.asu.edu/going-back-gravity

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Going Back to Gravity
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: 8 Dec, 2011
  • Date accessed:
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/going-back-gravity

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (Thu, 12/08/2011 - 14:03). Going Back to Gravity. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/going-back-gravity

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Going Back to Gravity". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 Dec 2011. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/going-back-gravity

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Going Back to Gravity". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 Dec 2011. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/going-back-gravity

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Shuttle Discovery

After a trip in space, all astronauts have to return to earth and gravity. Here, a NASA Space shuttle lands after a mission in space.

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute