Fact Related

In space, astronauts can actually become a little taller than they are on Earth. On our planet, Earth’s gravity constantly pushes down on the body and compresses the spine throughout the day. But in space, where there is almost no gravity, the pressure on the spine disappears. This allows the small discs between the bones in the spine to expand and stretch out, making astronauts grow about 2 to 5 centimeters taller temporarily. Once they return to Earth, gravity compresses the spine again and their height slowly returns to normal.