Astronaut Spent 12 Months in Space. That’s What Happened to Him

In March of 2015, American astronaut Scott Kelly embarked on a historic mission to spend a year aboard the International Space Station (ISS), in an effort to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. What followed was a year of unprecedented scientific discovery, personal challenges, and triumphs.

Kelly's journey began on March 27, 2015, when he launched into space aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft alongside Russian cosmonauts Mikhail Kornienko and Gennady Padalka. Kelly and Kornienko were tasked with spending a year aboard the ISS, while Padalka would return to Earth after a six-month mission.

Over the course of his year in space, Kelly conducted a wide range of experiments and studies, including research on the effects of microgravity on the human body, the development of new technologies for space exploration, and the cultivation of crops in a zero-gravity environment.

However, Kelly's year in space was not without its challenges. He faced a number of personal hardships, including the death of his sister-in-law and a devastating flood that damaged his home in Texas. Despite these difficulties, Kelly remained focused on his mission and continued to carry out his duties aboard the ISS.

One of the most significant aspects of Kelly's mission was the opportunity to study the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. Researchers were particularly interested in studying the changes that occur in the body over time, including the impact of microgravity on bone density, muscle mass, and cardiovascular function.

Kelly and Kornienko participated in a number of experiments designed to study these effects, including regular blood and urine tests, bone density scans, and cardiovascular assessments. The results of these experiments will be used to inform future space missions, including the eventual goal of sending humans to Mars.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Kelly's year in space was the personal growth and transformation that he experienced. As he later wrote in his memoir, "Endurance," his time aboard the ISS taught him the value of patience, perseverance, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Kelly spent his days conducting experiments and performing maintenance tasks on the ISS, but he also found time to connect with people back on Earth. He became a social media sensation, regularly sharing photos and updates about his mission with his followers. He even exchanged tweets with then-president Barack Obama, who congratulated Kelly on his mission and expressed his admiration for the work being done aboard the ISS.

Despite the many challenges he faced, Kelly remained dedicated to his mission and to the future of space exploration. As he later said in an interview with CNN, "It's a privilege to be able to do what we do, and we do it for the greater good. We do it for the advancement of humanity."

After a year in space, Kelly returned to Earth on March 2, 2016, alongside Kornienko and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Volkov. He was greeted with a hero's welcome, and his mission was celebrated as a historic achievement in human spaceflight.

Since returning to Earth, Kelly has become an advocate for space exploration and the study of long-duration spaceflight. He has spoken publicly about his experiences in space and the importance of continuing to push the boundaries of human exploration.

In conclusion, Scott Kelly's year in space was a remarkable achievement in human spaceflight. His mission provided unprecedented insights into the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body and has paved the way for future research in this area. Additionally, Kelly's personal growth and transformation serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. His mission will be remembered as a historic achievement in the annals of human space exploration.