Spaceflight Not A 'Healthy Pursuit'

Scientists have been aware since 2020 of increasing health concerns regarding our astronauts who dare to explore the vast regions of space. Research has shown at that time that several issues exist and should not be trivialized.

Yes, it is great to imagine creating communities on Mars and potentially other planets, but the very conditions that exist in that atmosphere are worrisome for our population and very little is being said about it. The story goes on.

No doubt that is because the prospect of making money through space travel if foremost in the minds of people who are developing these possibilities. But as always, there is more to it and we should take heed.

The very molecules of our space explorers can be altered and this effect continues when back on earth. Oxidative stress is rampant and ages the body along with providing an environment for other diseases like Cancer, and promotes conditions like cardiovascular disease, a depleted immune system, issues with the central nervous system and skeletal system.

At the very least, DNA damage seems to be expected due to the radiation present. Heart and liver problems are a likely given and muscle and bone loss result from gravitational deficiencies.

We know today here on earth that good health begins in the gut. If you have not bothered to properly populated your microbiome with good bacteria, all kinds of ailments can be anticipated.

It seems in space, the problems do start there too. I have been saying this about our health here on planet earth for some time and it starts with real food. But our environmental conditions here are different from those in space. Add that to the picture and there are no guarantees.

All I meant to pass on here is that we need to spend the same amount of time trying to assure healthy conditions for our space flying counterparts as we do on all the other concerns like getting them there safely.