How long can you live in space?

Life for an astronaut is tough. The person needs to be in perfect physical condition to withstand the rigors of space life. Science experiments have so far not required them to be in outer space for too long as it is not possible for life to be sustained indefinitely in space.

In case we ever develop scientific technology that allows a spaceship to be self sustaining, there will be the possibility of a Star Trek type long distant vessel exploring outer space. But how will an interstellar journey would be spent in weightlessness affect the human body is the essential question.

Living without gravity can over time decrease the blood volume, atrophy muscles, diminish bone mineral content and impair the vision of the astronaut. A journey of many decades will also see possible conception and birth of children in outer space. It is as yet unclear what the effect of the mother being in space will have on the fetus development.

Since gravity help in giving birth, it will be more difficult to have a child in zero gravity. Maybe cesarean sections will be required. How will the mother react to surgery in space is also yet to be studied. As is evident, the human race is far from developing the technologies needed to survive in space for long durations. Thus it is a time for pursuing more science projects in this field.