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The Conversation
Taylor Lonner, Ph.D. Candidate in Aerospace Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder

Astronauts can get motion sick while splashing back down to Earth – virtual reality headsets could help them stay sharp

Between adjusting to gravity and floating through choppy waves, returning to Earth from space can be nauseating. Keegan Barber/NASA via Getty Images

When learning about the effects of spaceflight on human health, you typically will hear about the dangers of radiation, bone density loss and changes in eyesight. While these long-term risks are important, a less frequently discussed concern is motion sickness.

As a child, one of us (Taylor) was highly prone to motion sickness – whether in the backseat of a car, sitting on a train or riding a bus. At the time, she considered it a cruel twist of fate, but as an adult – and a scientist to boot – Taylor can tell you with confidence that it was entirely her fault.

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