Science & Faith
Astronauts’ Hearts Show Adaptation To Weightlessness And Simulated Martian Gravity
From ScienceDaily Top Science · October 21, 2026
Researchers from Northwestern Medicine, UT Southwestern, and UT Houston monitored 13 astronauts during six-month missions aboard the International Space Station. According to the study published in the journal Circulation, while astronauts initially experienced declines in cardiac filling and stroke volume during the first two weeks of weightlessness, their cardiovascular systems gradually adapted over time.
Dr. James Thomas, a professor of medicine at Northwestern University, noted that intensive daily exercise—including endurance and resistance training—played a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health. To test readiness for Mars, researchers used a simulated Martian gravity test by tilting astronauts upward 22 degrees upon their return to Earth.
The study found that the astronauts' hearts performed similarly under this simulated Martian gravity as they had when standing on Earth prior to their missions. Researchers stated these findings suggest humans may be capable of transitioning to the weaker gravity of Mars without significant cardiovascular strain, provided they maintain regular physical activity.
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