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Decompression Problems in Space

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Due to Henry's Law, organisms saturate themselves with the nitrogen contained in the air we breathe. Decompression problems may occur if the surrounding pressure is diminished. When the pressure is diminished, the surplus nitrogen will escape from the liquid in the form of gas.

This problem concerns the astronaut preparing a "space walk" (EVA=Extra Vehicular Activity). The pressure inside the space suit ranges from 300-400 hPa (depending on the type of the suit) because under normal pressure, the suit would be unmovable against the vacuum outside.

During diving, the same problem occurs with the return to the surface; under the increased pressure under water, additional nitrogen or other inert gasses are dissolved into the body by way of the air breathed. During the return to the surface (relief of pressure), the gas has to leave the body via the lung. The decompression stops known to divers have to be observed. In the case of astronauts, the elimination of nitrogen is achieved by preliminary oxygen respiration. No nitrogen is offered to the lung anymore, so the nitrogen gradually leaves the organism and the pressure can be lowered to the level of the space suit in one final step.

The gas needs time in order to be able to be taken in again by way of the lungs.

Apart from the research about gas reception, oxygen toleration, respiratory physiology, decompression problems and the therapy of divers with massive decompression troubles, research diving courses were carried out. A part of the european astronauts received the necessary diving instructions in order to be able to carry out a zero-gravity training in the water basin.