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Japanese astronaut apologises for 'fake news' after tweeting he had grown 9cm in space
A Japanese astronaut has apologised for causing “fake news” when he tweeted he had grown 9cm (3.5ins) after going to the International Space Station.
Norishige Kanai has since corrected his initial claim, made on Tuesday, saying he has actually grown 2cm.
It is common for astronauts to grow between 2cm and 5cm while in space as the vertebrae in their spine stretch out due to the lack of downward pressure from gravity.
Tweeting Wednesday, the 41-year-old said: “Although it was a measurement error, it seems that it has become a serious topic. I am very sorry for the terrible fake news”.
The astronaut did not explain how the initial error was made but added he was glad he would be able to return to earth in the Soyuz spacecraft, which has a seating height limit.
Dr Kanai made headlines around the world when he tweeted that he was concerned he would not be allowed to board the Russian-built craft home after his 9cm growth spurt.
His tweet read: "Good morning, everybody. I have a major announcement today. We had our bodies measured after reaching space, and wow, wow, wow, I had actually grown by as much as 9cm!
"I grew like some plant in just three weeks. Nothing like this since high school. I'm a bit worried whether I'll fit in the Soyuz seat when I go back."
While the growth phenomenon is experienced by most people who go to space, they do not remain taller when they go back to Earth, where gravity forces vertebrae to close together.
Dr Kanai, who is on his first space mission, was previously a diving medical officer with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.