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A metabolic study of the effects of space flight on various chemical elements, particularly those with special relevance to the musculo-skeletal system, was carried out on the nine astronauts who participated in the three Skylab flights of 28, 59 and 84 days in 1973-1974. The study required of the cooperating crewmen constant dietary intake, continuous 24-hour urine collections and total fecal collections for 21-31 days before each flight, throughout each flight and for 17-18 days post-flight. Increases in urinary calcium and negative calcium balances during space flight were generally similar to those found in previous immobilization and bedrest studies. The persistence of these alterations in calcium metabolism throughout the flights suggested that calcium losses would continue in weightlessness for a very long time. Significant losses of nitrogen and phosphorus occurred, associated with observed reduction in muscle tissue. Both mineral and muscle losses occurred despite vigorous exercise regimens in flight. It was concluded that unless protective measures can be developed, capable musculo-skeletal function is likely to be impaired in space flights, ultimately to be conducted to Mars, of 11/2 to 3 years duration.

An investigation was undertaken to determine the metabolic cost of life in space. Energy intake was determined throughout the 28-, 59- and 84-day flights for each of the nine Skylab astronauts. Metabolic excretions were quantitatively collected and analyzed for a variety of biochemical constituents. Body mass was determined each day and body volume was ascertained by stereophotogrammetric means immediately pre- and post-flight. A ground-based control period of at least 3 weeks preceded each flight, and one of at least 18 days followed each flight. Examination of the data reveals that all crew members lost mass in flight, and that this loss did not result in a net increase in density. Elevated urinary and blood nitrogen, a net negative calcium and nitrogen balance and a decrease in the radiographic density of certain bones support the conclusion that lean body mass decreased. That the loss was primarily proteinaceous in nature is evidenced by the comparatively small net change in total body water and by a decrease in total body potassium each measured by isotopic dilution techniques. These changes in body composition, despite a constant caloric intake in flight and on the ground, suggest that the body's demand for exogenous nutrient energy is not measurably changed by exposure to null gravity flight up to 84 days in duration.