Human Brain in Space

Did you know? Spaceflight can temporarily affect how the brain works. In microgravity, fluids shift toward the head and the brain can undergo structural changes. Astronaut studies have found that these changes may be associated with slower reaction times, changes in attention, balance, and spatial orientation, especially during or shortly after spaceflight. Most cognitive changes observed in astronauts are relatively subtle, but researchers are studying whether longer missions could produce greater effects.