Got Back Pain? This Suit Could Counteract Spine Problems In Space (And On Earth)

(Before It's News)

European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet (upside-down) testing out the “skinsuit” during a parabolic flight to simulate microgravity in March 2014. Credit: CNES/Novespace

If you’ve ever felt insecure about your height, orbit is a great place to be. Astronaut spines lengthen up to 2.75 inches (7 centimeters) while they’re in microgravity. There are big downsides, however. First there’s the backache. Second, you’re four times as likely to get a slipped disc when you return to Earth.

The solution could be as simple as tight clothing. Above you can see French astronaut Thomas Pesquet (already flying high this week after he was publicly named to a flight in 2016) trying out a prototype of the skinsuit. Essentially, it’s so tight that it could prevent you from growing, which in turn would stop the pain and risk of damage.

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© Elizabeth Howell for Universe Today, 2014. |
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Post tags: Andreas Mogensen, skinsuit, thomas pesquet

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