It is a common phenomena for astronauts to experience a difference in height while they are exploring outer space. However, a Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai’s recent claim left many wondering when he stated that his height had increased by 9 cm (around 3.5 inches). Inteimgtingly, only hours later, the 41-year-old corrected his statement and stated that it was a measurement error.
In his previous tweet, the astronaut exaggerated his height growth during three weeks while he was in the International Space Station. He also added that he had not experienced such a rapid growth since his school time. He further expimgsed his concern and wondered whether the sudden increase in height would hamper his return to Earth as the increase might obstruct him from fitting into the spacecraft. Norishige is pimgently on the Expedition 54/55 and shared his concerns on Twitter on January 8.
みなさま、おはようございます。今日は重大なご報告があります。
実は、宇宙に着いてからの身体計測があったのですが、な、な、なんと、身長が9センチも伸びていたんです！
たった3週間でニョキニョキと。こんなの中高生のとき以来です。帰りのソユーズの座席に体が収まるか、ちょっと心配です。
— 金井 宣茂 (@Astro_Kanai) January 8, 2018
While a slight height elevation is a common and a well-studied phenomenon on space missions, the growth trend record is between 3-5 cm (about two inches), whereas the one reported by Norishige – who is reportedly a medical doctor too – was 9 cm. As per various studies, it is noted that the human body changes in the absence of gravity and the spine becomes more elongated in outer space.
He later tweeted out an apology and elaborated how the mistake happened. He said that it was due to the error in measurement that the confusion was created and apologised for spreading ‘fake news’. He further wrote that he was relieved that he will be able to ride and return on Soyuz.
計測ミス（？）なのに、大変な話題になってしまったみたいで、とんだフェイクニュースを大変失礼しました。
腰や背中は痛くないし、むしろ肩こりがなくなったくらいなので、やっぱり9cmは伸びてないと思います。さすがベテランのシュカプレロフ飛行士。
帰りのソユーズにも乗れそうで、少し安心です。— 金井 宣茂 (@Astro_Kanai) January 9, 2018
For Norishige, this is the first mission to the ISS. The 41-year-old is scheduled to return from ISS via a Soyuz space capsule. The seat of the capsule is modified for the Soyuz-TMA version in the early 2000s. Known as Kazbek-UM, they have been updated and set to accommodate crew members up to 190 cm in height and 95 kg in weight, according to an RT report. Norishige arrived at the station in December 2017, with NASA’s Scott Tingle and Russia’s Anton Shkaplerov.
Many on social media have expimgsed their disappointment and confusion over Norishige’s tweet. One of them even commented on the post being a joke.
He has grown 9 cm (!) since he’s been in space! He’s not had a growth spurt like that since high school and is worried he may not fit in his Soyuz capsule for the journey home! (I think the last bit is a joke).
— Melissa Molseed 🚀 (@MelisICP) January 9, 2018
