Why Astronauts Age Slower in Space 

Time in space, especially within the context of human space exploration, differs from our experience of time on Earth due to the effects of relativity. In space, time is influenced by factors such as the absence of gravity and high velocities. According to Einstein's theory of relativity, time slows down for objects moving at high speeds or in strong gravitational fields. This means astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), orbiting Earth at high velocities, experience time slightly slower compared to people on Earth. This phenomenon, known as time dilation, has been confirmed through precise measurements using atomic clocks on spacecraft and the ISS. The differences are minuscule for typical space missions but become more significant at speeds approaching the speed of light or in intense gravitational fields like those near a black hole.