Future missions to send experts to Mars are under threat, as new research published in Nature shows that long-duration space travel may affect astronauts’ kidney structure.
Scientists collected samples from humans and mice from 40 space missions and found that the space environment alters the kidneys of the test subjects. Specifically, some kidney parts showed significant shrinkage after just one month of being in a microgravity environment.
This new finding could disrupt NASA and SpaceX’s efforts to send humans to Mars, which are expected to occur in the coming decades. Elon Musk has stated that he aims to send people to Mars within “10 to 20 years,” and his company SpaceX is developing rocket models that can transport astronauts to the Red Planet.
The Starship spacecraft is expected to be used by SpaceX to send humans to Mars – (Image: Internet).
A team of scientists from University College London, who conducted the new research, noted that the risk of health damage is proportional to the time astronauts spend in the harsh environment of space. Mission to Mars is no exception.
According to the researchers, two immediate solutions are to find ways to protect astronauts’ kidneys and to develop recovery options on board the spacecraft, such as installing dialysis machines aboard the spacecraft.
“We know what has happened to astronauts on relatively short space missions, specifically regarding health issues like kidney stones,” said Dr. Keith Siew, the lead author of the study.
“What we do not yet understand is why these issues occur, as well as what will happen to astronauts on longer flights, such as the Mars mission. If we do not develop new methods to protect the kidneys, then I think that although an astronaut may reach Mars, they might need dialysis on the way back.”
The harsh environment beyond Earth poses significant challenges to exploration – (Image: Internet).
Professor Stephen Walsh, another author of the new study, stated: “Our research highlights the fact that if you are planning a space mission, the kidneys are really important.
“You cannot protect them from galactic radiation with shielding, but as we learn more about kidney biology, we may develop technologies or pharmaceuticals to support long-duration space travel.”
