It has been well documented that spaceflight significantly alters cardiovascular function. One of the most important changes from a crew safety standpoint is postflight loss of orthostatic tolerance, which causes astronauts to have difficulty walking independently and induces lightheadedness or fainting. These may impair their ability to leave the orbiter after it lands.
This DSO will perform a flight-related study, designed to clarify preflight and postflight differences in susceptible and non-susceptible astronauts. There are no on-orbit activities associated with this DSO.
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