British astronaut Tim Peake thanked for his help in research into osteoporosis during time in space

Just before British astronaut Tim Peake returned to earth recently, he received a very special letter from the President of the National Osteoporosis Society, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, who wrote to thank him for his health in research into the condition during him time in space.

In the letter, the Duchess said, As president of the National Osteoporosis Society, a charity very dear to my heart, I am interested to know how your bones have stood up to space travel as I understand that astronauts can lose up to 10 per cent of bone density over six months.

“I have been told by the NOS that you will return home with invaluable research and data.

“It would be very interesting to know if what you learn could help change the lives of osteoporosis sufferers here on earth.” She also wished him a safe journey home.

The society says that looking at changes in Tim Peake’s bone structure could help detect the on-set of osteoporosis in large population groups, especially over 55s back here on earth.

MRI scans of his knees before and after the mission should show changes in the bone that mimic osteoporosis.

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