They have this idea that they can send astronauts up and the bone loss will level off in a few months, but the evidence that has come back doesn't support that view. If you look at a two-year mission to Mars, it's kind of a scary prospect.
In her book "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void," Mary Roach discusses the physiological challenges astronauts face, particularly regarding bone loss during extended missions in space. She highlights a common misconception that astronauts can recover from bone density loss after a few months; however, research suggests otherwise. This misconception raises concerns about the implications of long-duration missions, such as a two-year journey to Mars.
Roach emphasizes that the cumulative effects of microgravity on the human body are not fully understood, which makes the prospect of long-term space exploration daunting. The potential for ongoing bone loss presents significant health risks that must be addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts on missions beyond Earth.
