Did the Apollo 11 Crew Get Sick After Landing on the Moon?
The Apollo missions were a series of manned space missions conducted by NASA during the 1960s and 1970s, culminating in the historic Apollo 11 mission that first landed humans on the Moon. However, one of the most intriguing questions regarding these missions is whether the astronauts encountered any health issues post-punchdown after their lunar voyage. Many believe that the astronauts might have gotten sick due to inhaling moon dust or other factors. This article delves into the details, examining the reported cases of spacesickness and lunar hay fever, and explaining the rigorous quarantine measures that were implemented after each Apollo mission.
The Challenges of Spacesickness in Weightless Environments
Spacesickness would have been relatively common.
During the Apollo 8 mission, Frank Borman, the commanding officer, experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea as a result of weightlessness. In a zero-gravity environment, the bodily fluids circulated in a manner that was unfamiliar and disorienting. Without the typical bodily cues provided by gravity, astronauts often faced significant motion sickness. The lack of a solid surface to attach to and the seemingly constant feeling of being adrift were challenges that even seasoned astronauts like Borman struggled with.
Once on board, astronauts would use paper towels to capture the vomit and stool fragments, which would float freely due to the lack of gravity. The process of clearing the spacecraft of these hazardous materials was delicate and required careful handling to prevent harm to the crew and to maintain environmental safety. The stench created by these incidents was described as "terrible," underscoring the discomfort and inconvenience such experiences brought to the astronauts.
On subsequent missions, other astronauts like James Lovell (Apollo 8 Command Module Pilot) and others from missions such as Gemini 12 and Apollo 13 also experienced similar discomforts. This highlights the potential for spacesickness as a common occurrence during long-duration space missions.
Lunar Hay Fever: A Real Condition Caused by Moon Dust
Another interesting aspect of the Apollo missions concerns the Lunar Hay Fever, a real disorder caused by inhaling moon dust. Following the Apollo 17 mission, astronauts reported experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and a sore throat—all classic signs of hay fever, but in this case induced by dust from the lunar surface. Astoundingly, the condition was documented and recognized among the Apollo 17 crew.
Astronaut Gene Cernan, who was part of the Apollo 17 mission, was particularly affected by this lunar hay fever.
His description of being covered in lunar dust vividly illustrates the extent of the dust exposure. The lunar surface is not only rocky but also covered in regolith (fine rock and dust) that is highly reactive and abrasive when disturbed by the astronauts' movements. This dust can enter the astronauts' spacesuits and eventually find its way into the spacecraft, leading to respiratory issues upon breathing.
No, the Astronauts Were Not Affected by Post-Lunar Illnesses
No. Despite the reported challenges of spacesickness and lunar hay fever, strict quarantine measures were implemented to protect the astronauts against any potential contaminants from the lunar surface. These measures were deemed necessary to ensure the safety of both the astronauts and the terrestrial population.
After each Apollo mission, the astronauts underwent rigorous quarantine procedures to prevent the spread of any potential lunar contaminants to the terrestrial environment. These measures were not just precautionary but were based on scientific requirements to maintain a clean and safe research environment. The rigorous cleaning and testing protocols ensured that any materials brought back from the Moon were handled with utmost care, and the astronauts were monitored for any signs of illness.
Moreover, extensive studies were conducted on the samples collected by the astronauts, and no signs of hazardous materials were found. The lunar samples were meticulously analyzed, and no pathogens or damaging substances that could cause illness were identified. This thorough evaluation provided further assurance that the astronauts were not affected by any post-lunar illnesses.
Conclusion
The Apollo missions, while filled with challenges, also brought to light the complexity of the human experience in space. From spacesickness to lunar hay fever, the astronauts faced a variety of physiological and environmental challenges. However, through the implementation of strict quarantine measures, these potential health risks were effectively managed. The Apollo 11 crew, like other astronauts, returned to Earth in good health, paving the way for further advancements in space exploration and research.