πSpace
Astronauts Grow Taller in Space
In the absence of Earth's gravity, astronauts' spines can decompress, making them grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) taller.
About this fact
On Earth, gravity compresses the vertebrae in our spines. In the microgravity environment of space, this compression is reduced, allowing the soft discs between the vertebrae to expand. This can result in a temporary height increase of up to 3% of their original height. However, this effect is not permanent; astronauts return to their normal height shortly after returning to Earth's gravity.