2. IntroductionThroughout a few experiments we will see why the astronauts
grow in space.
We know that :
In space we are less attracted than on earth → the gravity is
lower
Astronauts don’t feel their bodies in space
The spinal column is compressed under the effect of
pressure
3. Hypothesis
In space, there are different reasons that make astronauts grow:
The spinal column is less compressed, the astronauts grow.
If you lie down, your bodylength is longer than when you stand up.
If your mass is bigger, the percentage difference in bodylength is bigger.
4. Experiments - France
First experiment
1. We measure
2. Pig hung + we measure
3. Pig hung + Stretching +
we measure
6. Experiment - Belgium
1. We measure the mass and the bodylength (standing up +
laying down)
2. We calculate the percentage difference
7. Conclusions
The spinal column is less compressed, the astronauts grow.
If you lie down, your bodylength is longer than when you
stand up.
If your mass is bigger, the percentage difference in
bodylength is bigger.
8. Reflection
When you are standing up, the gravity is pushing you a
little bit down, so you are a little bit smaller then when
you are lying down because then the gravity doesn’t
push your spinal column together.
