Research by Spanish scientists shows that human sperm loses vitality and motility in microgravity environments.
The scientists published their findings in the journal Acta Astronautica in October to explain the potential for human reproduction in space in the future. To investigate the effects on human sperm, the research team decided to expose it to a microgravity environment using parabolic flights.
Parabolic flight simulates microgravity conditions. (Photo: Karlos Garciapons/Shutterstock).
Fifteen volunteers were selected with suitable sperm, and pre-flight analysis was conducted. The sperm samples were divided into two groups: one experienced the microgravity environment, while the other remained on the ground for comparison. After the flight, the sperm samples were returned to the laboratory for analysis.
The research team found that exposure to short-term gravity changes, including microgravity during a parabolic flight, significantly reduced motility and vitality in fresh sperm samples. They believe this could have substantial implications for any long-term human settlement missions in space.
According to the scientists, in the future, if humans are in space for extended periods, experiencing various microgravity and hypergravity peaks lasting from months to years, reproduction may become a critical issue to address.
However, the research team has not yet identified the mechanisms that reduce sperm motility, and the experiments only involved a few seconds of microgravity. “The effects of prolonged exposure also need to be clarified,” the research team stated.
