With the preparation of numerous manned missions of varying duration to the Moon, with a view to sustainable installation and expeditions to Mars, the moon Phobos and to asteroids, research is being conducted on the potential implications for health human. By moving away from Earth, astronauts would leave not only the protection of the Earth’s environment, but also that of the Van Allen radiation belts, which provide some protection against space radiation.
Recently, a study by the Guy Foundation drew attention to the deleterious effects of prolonged space travel. This foundation is an independent research organization that facilitates the development of quantum biology in order to better understand medical issues.
“The results indicate accelerated aging, insulin resistance and reproductive problems that could deteriorate during these missions.”
The results indicate accelerated aging, insulin resistanceinsulin resistance and reproductive problems that could deteriorate during these missions. Although these conclusions do not surprise specialists, they raise questions among the general public, who tended to believe in the capacity of humans to adapt to the space environment.
The role of microgravity and radiation in cellular damage
The study results suggest that microgravity andweightlessnessweightlessness deliberately affect the mitochondriamitochondriaessential to maintaining theintegrityintegrity cellular, thereby reducing metabolic capacity and increasing the oxidative stressoxidative stress. Additionally, increased space radiation can cause significant cell damage, affecting cell repair.ADNADN and also aggravates oxidative stress. The absence of a magnetic field could also alter thehomeostasishomeostasis cellular, further increasing the stress on the cells.
This study also highlights disturbances at the quantum level which affect the metabolismmetabolism cellular. The effects of microgravity, radiation, and degradation of cellular function are critical elements to consider.
The limits of human adaptation
Although astronauts returning from missions aboard the International Space Station can correct the effects of their stay on their health, after a certain time of varying length depending on the person, the researchers emphasize that these effects on the health of astronauts could become increasingly difficult to reverse as missions move further from Earth and durationduration stays in space are increasing.
A major finding of the report is that space travel appears to induce accelerated aging in astronauts. It is likely that complex organisms like humans cannot adapt to the unnatural environment of space, unlike short-lived organisms, such as bacteriabacteriawhich are evolving rapidly. This raises important questions about the impact of these missions on our microbiomemicrobiome.
While many countries are considering a lasting settlement on the LuneLune and SpaceX aims to colonize Mars, research so far has focused more on survival than on the well-being of the astronauts. Surviving is not the same as living healthy and thriving. In addition, the majority of astronauts are young and in good condition physiquephysiqueand the effects on less fit or older individuals remain poorly understood, especially for long-term missions and beyond.orbitorbit low ground.
Recreate an Earth wherever humans go!
Short of opting for genetic modifications, which would raise ethical and legal dilemmas, the best path to ensuring the health of astronauts in space may be to recreate an Earth environment as faithfully as possible. More likely, we must identify the key factors that induce disease and seek ways to mitigate them, or accept the limitations imposed by these extreme environments.
Conclusions for human health
Concerns raised by space travel research are part of an urgent need for a better understanding of the impacts on human health. This knowledge is crucial to ensuring that humanity can not only survive, but thrive in space, as it aims to explore new horizons and settle on worlds other than Earth.
This research is crucial to ensure not only the safety of astronauts, but also to prepare for future exploration of deep space where health challenges could increase exponentially.
