Study suggests that microgravity and unique space radiation may be responsible for kidney stones in astronauts
Astronauts are two to seven times more likely to get kidney stones one year after space flight
Despite the advancements in space travel, it takes a toll on the body, as indicated by a study focusing on the impact on visceral organs, particularly the kidneys.
This study, published on June 11, delves into the effects of microgravity and galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) on the body using biological data collected from rodents and humans.
The analysis involved samples from 11 mice and five humans exposed to space flight, as well as samples from one rat in simulated microgravity and four mice exposed to cosmic radiation.
To investigate if radiation exposure led to tissue damage resulting in irreversible renal function loss, researchers relied on physiological and anatomical data from 20 space flights involving humans and rodents.
Additionally, plasma and urinary samples from 66 astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) for up to 180 days were analyzed.
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Astronauts aboard the ISS, which orbits low earth orbit (LEO), can experience various health issues within weeks of a mission, including musculoskeletal, neurological, ocular, and cardiovascular degeneration, as mentioned in the study.
The study noted that internal organ problems stemming from LEO are not immediately evident due to lack of visible symptoms and thus have been under-researched.
It is well-established that astronauts have a heightened susceptibility to kidney stones at an abnormally high rate, the study revealed.
Astronauts are at a two to seven times higher risk of developing kidney stones one year post-space flight, a risk that doubles for astronauts during flight, according to the study.
The study recounted a Soviet space mission where an astronaut nearly had their mission aborted due to kidney stones symptoms, but the stones were passed just in time before an emergency maneuver was necessary.
Microgravity, the phenomenon of reduced gravity leading to weightlessness in space, can accelerate the formation and alter the biochemistry of kidney stone crystallization, the study explained.
Additionally, microgravity is known to induce bone demineralization, as stated in the study.
The study highlighted that changes in blood pressure and potassium levels during space travel can impact electrolyte and fluid levels, potentially leading to kidney stones.
But microgravity is not the sole factor at play; space radiation also contributes to the risk, the study noted.
Space radiation emanates from three galactic phenomena: coronal mass ejection, solar wind, and GCR.
Furthermore, space radiation can potentially lead to cancer, a concern for scientists planning the extensive trip of over 1 billion miles roundtrip to Mars.
Human Exploration of Mars
NASA aims to send humans to explore Mars because it believes it may have been a habitat for life in our solar system.
“What we discover about Mars will provide insights into Earth’s past and future, and may help answer questions about life beyond our planet,” NASA stated. “Similar to the Moon, Mars offers abundant opportunities for scientific research and serves as a catalyst for developing technologies that enable human exploration beyond Earth.”
NASA’s goal is to have astronauts on Mars by the 2030s and is currently developing advanced propulsion systems to shorten the journey to Mars and back to just two years.
Furthermore, NASA is creating inflatable landing systems to accommodate heavier spacecraft necessary for entry into the Martian atmosphere.
“NASA is developing an inflatable heat shield that can be compactly stored inside a rocket, expanding when necessary upon entering the Martian atmosphere to safely land cargo and astronauts,” the agency described. “This technology could be used for landing on any planet with an atmosphere.”
NASA is also designing more flexible spacesuits and mobile laboratories to navigate Mars while conducting experiments.
The Epoch Times reached out to the lead author of the study and NASA for comments regarding research on the adverse effects of space travel on human health.
