Prepare for the Cosmic Odyssey: Humans will be taking unprecedented steps towards the moon in an epic journey of human spaceflight aboard NASA’s Orion space capsule. In 2022, Artemis II will mark the initial step, aimed at maneuvering astronauts into lunar orbit. However, the main event is Artemis III, set for December 2025, where astronauts will finally strut on the lunar surface, making history with the first human presence since 1972.
The following Artemis missions will enable astronauts to spend longer durations in space, laying the groundwork for potential voyages to Mars, a seven-month journey from Earth. Researchers are already delving into the consequences of prolonged space travel on human health, including sexual health, which could be affected by exposure to cosmic radiation and microgravity.
The Florida State University recently investigated the impact of cosmic radiation and microgravity on sexual function, discovering possible vascular complications, including conditions like erectile dysfunction, caused by high energy cosmic particles, such as those from supernova explosions, combined with the weightlessness of space. These issues might linger even after astronauts return to Earth. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of closely monitoring sexual health among returning space travelers in anticipation of forthcoming manned missions to outer space.
It’s imperative to note that while Earth’s magnetosphere protects us from cosmic radiation, astronauts aboard the International Space Station still receive significant radiation exposure. Once humans venture to the moon and Mars, they’ll be less shielded from these hazardous particles.
To investigate the effects of cosmic radiation and microgravity on erectile dysfunction, researchers conducted a pioneering study using male rats exposed to simulated cosmic rays and microgravity. The results revealed an increase in oxidative stress, raising concerns about potential vascular tissue damage, erectile dysfunction, and the long-term repercussions of exposure to cosmic rays.
The researchers suggested that targeting oxidative stress pathways and treatment with specific antioxidants could be potential remedies to alleviate the adverse effects of cosmic radiation on erectile function.
While the study was conducted on rats and has not yet reached human testing, its findings offer a crucial insight into the importance of addressing the potential health challenges that may arise from extended human space travel. The study was published in the journal Federation of American Science for Experimental Biology (FASEB) on November 22.
