As humanity moves towards becoming an interplanetary species, with ambitious plans by major space agencies to establish bases on the Moon, followed by expeditions to Mars and asteroids, and Elon Musk’s plan to colonize the Red Planet, A recent study has raised major concerns. Health risks associated with these long missions in space. These threats may be more serious than previously thought.
With the development of multiple manned missions to the Moon of various durations, potential implications for human health are being researched in view of sustainable deployments and expeditions to Mars, the moon Phobos and asteroids. By moving away from Earth, astronauts will not only leave the protection of Earth’s atmosphere, but also the Van Allen radiation belts, which provide some protection against space radiation.
Recently, a study by the Guy Foundation drew attention to the harmful effects of prolonged space travel. The foundation is an independent research organization that facilitates the development of quantum biology to better understand medical problems.
“The findings indicate accelerated aging, insulin resistance and reproductive problems that may worsen during these missions.“
The results indicate accelerated aging, Insulin resistanceInsulin resistance and reproductive problems that may worsen during these missions. Although the findings did not surprise experts, they raised questions among the general public, who believed in the ability of humans to adapt to the space environment.
The role of microgravity and radiation in cellular damage
The results of the study show that microgravity andweightlessnessweightlessness Deliberately affect MitochondriaMitochondriais necessary to maintainintegrityintegrity cellular, thereby reducing and increasing metabolic capacity. Oxidative stressOxidative stress. Additionally, increased space radiation can cause significant cell damage, affecting cell repair.ADNADN and also increases oxidative stress. Absence of magnetic field can also change.HomeostasisHomeostasis Cellular, further increase the stress on the cells.
The study also highlights perturbations at the quantum level that affect the MetabolismMetabolism The effects of cellular microgravity, radiation, and degradation of cellular function are important elements to consider.
The limits of human adaptation
Although astronauts returning from missions to the International Space Station can quantify the effects of their stay on their health, depending on the individual after a certain time, the researchers emphasize that these effects on the astronauts’ health can be difficult to reverse. As missions move further from Earth. DurationDuration Staying in space is growing.
A key finding of the report is that space travel leads to accelerated aging in astronauts. It is likely that complex organisms such as humans cannot adapt to the unnatural environment of space, unlike short-lived organisms, e.g. BacteriaBacteriawhich are developing rapidly. This raises important questions about the impact of these missions on us. The microbiomeThe microbiome.
While many countries are considering a long-term settlement on it. LoanLoan And with SpaceX aiming to colonize Mars, research to date has focused more on survival than astronaut welfare. Being alive is not the same as living a healthy life. Also, the majority of astronauts are young and in good shape. The bodyThe bodyand the effects on the less fit or elderly are well understood, especially for long-duration missions and beyond.orbitorbit low land
Recreate a land wherever humans go!
Short of opting for genetic modifications, which would raise ethical and legal dilemmas, the best way to ensure the health of astronauts in space may be to recreate the Earth-based environment as faithfully as possible. More likely we must identify the main factors that cause disease and find ways to reduce them, or accept the limitations imposed by these extreme environments.
Consequences for human health
Concerns raised by space travel research are part of the urgent need to better understand the effects on human health. This knowledge is critical to ensuring that humanity can not only survive but thrive in space, as it aims to explore new horizons and colonize worlds other than Earth. is
This research is important not only to ensure the safety of astronauts, but also to prepare for future deep space exploration where health challenges may increase exponentially.
