IS EXPLORING SPACE HAZARDOUS TO OUR HEALTH?
NASA plans to land the next humans on the Moon by 2024, using the Moon as a springboard for future Mars missions.
Understanding the impact of deep-space exploration on human health is crucial. Unlike short lunar missions, a trip to Mars would take months, exposing astronauts to unique health risks.
The International Space Station (ISS) lies within Earth's magnetosphere, which limits exposure to deep-space radiation. While valuable, ISS data doesn t fully replicate the conditions of deep space.
Researchers use analogs and simulators on Earth to mimic space conditions. TRISH is developing a Mars mission simulator to study the physiological effects of prolonged space travel.
NASA's Twins Study tracked biological and mental changes in identical twin astronauts. It revealed DNA damage, shortened telomeres, and cognitive issues in the twin who spent time in space, some of which persisted after returning to Earth.
The ISSCOR Laboratory studies how microgravity and radiation affect stem cells, accelerating their aging process. This research aims to understand aging and degenerative diseases, like cancer and neurological disorders.
Deep space exposes astronauts to galactic cosmic radiation, impacting tissues during missions and potentially causing long-term health effects. The psychological impact of isolation and stress is also a concern.
Astronauts will experience varying gravitational forces when traveling to Mars and back, affecting coordination, orientation, and movement. These changes pose additional health challenges.