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Energy Requirements for Space Flight

Biomedical Operations and Research Branch, NASA-Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX 77058

Both the United States and the Soviet Union perform human space research. This paper reviews data available on energy metabolism in the microgravity of space flight. The level of energy utilization in space seems to be similar to that on Earth, as does energy availability. However, despite adequate intake of energy and protein and in-flight exercise, lean body mass was catabolized, as indicated by negative nitrogen balance. Metabolic studies during simulated microgravity (bed rest) and true microgravity in flight have shown changes in blood glucose, fatty acids and insulin concentrations, suggesting that energy metabolism may be altered during space flight. Future research should focus on the interactions of lean body mass, diet and exercise in space, and their roles in energy metabolism during space flight.

KEY WORDS: • space • humans • energy utilization • respiratory quotient • lean body mass

Manuscript received 4 March 1991. Revision accepted 6 June 1991.

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