Everything Everywhere Daily · Monday, June 29, 2026
Upon entering a weightless environment, astronauts commonly experience 'space sickness,' characterized by nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. This occurs because the brain receives conflicting signals from the vestibular system and eyes, which are accustomed to Earth's gravity.
“And the first problem that many astronauts experience is space sickness. Space sickness is the nausea, dizziness, headaches and disorientation that many astronauts feel during their first hours or days in microgravity.”
“It happens because the brain receives conflicting signals. On Earth, the inner ear's vestibular system uses gravity to help determine balance and direction. In orbit, that gravity cue disappears, while the eyes still report motion and orientation.”