Humans in Space with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Astronaut Leland Melvin, & Dr. Sheyna Gifford

Are human bodies good for space? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O’Reilly discover the effects of space on the human body and if we are ready for long-haul missions with astronaut and former NFL player Leland Melvin and space doc, Dr. Sheyna Gifford. First, we talk to Leland about what it is like to prepare for space. How do you combat the effects of microgravity before going up? We draw parallels between his astronaut days and his time in the NFL. Was Sunita Williams’ marathon in space cheating or actually harder? Is there such a thing as rocket lag? Learn about the exercise regiments of astronauts. What’s harder: Preparing for space or recovering from space? Find out why so many astronauts need glasses after their trips. Sheyna tells us about her year on virtual Mars. What do you do on fake Mars? Why run these types of simulations? She gives us the doctor’s perspective on the astronaut regimen and what more we can do to mitigate osteoporosis and other ailments in space. What is a parastronaut? Learn about the AstroAccess mission and how Earth-disabled people react to microgravity. Is the standard body shape not the best for space? We learn about reacclimation and some things you might not know about astronauts getting used to Earth again. How would we overcome the physiological effects of long trips like the one to Mars? How does your immune system suffer in space? Does the ISS need a thorough cleaning? If we don’t solve these problems are humans never going to be able to endure long term space travel? All that and find out why and where space needs you. Thanks to our Patrons John Moehrke, Scott Williams, Mike Trujillo, Josue Diaz, Walter Flaat, Semyon Torfason, Craig Smart, Elissa DiPierro, OnlineBookClub.org, and Nic Stock for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson 0:00 - Introduction 3:44 - Leland Melvin: Athlete & Astronaut 7:50 - How Astronauts Prepare For Microgravity 10:11 - Short vs Long Duration Spaceflights 11:55 - Running A Marathon In Space 13:19 - Football In Space 13:58 - Effects Of Returning From Space 20:11 - Exercising On Different Planets 21:31 - Dr. Sheyna Gifford’s Credentials 22:59 - Virtual Mission To Mars 26:29 - Eating In Space 27:51 - Maintaining Bone Density In Space 30:56 - Adaptability Of Para-Astronauts 36:19 - Reacclimating To Earth 43:21 - Effects Of Long Duration Space Travel 49:14 - Our Future In Space 51:11 - Closing Notes