NASA’s planning to put boots on Mars in the next decade. A crewed mission to Mars is an ambitious undertaking.
Space travel, especially long-duration spaceflight, presents some serious medical and psychological challenges. Think radiation exposure, the effects of weightlessness, and the psychological toll of being isolated in a small space for a long time.
While I couldn’t find any specific information about Methodist Hospital’s direct involvement in preparing for a Mars mission, medical institutions are working with NASA to mitigate those risks and develop strategies for keeping astronauts healthy.
Let’s explore some of the key medical hurdles a Mars voyage presents, potential solutions, and how institutions like Methodist Hospital could contribute to making this giant leap for mankind.
Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Optical Syndrome (SANS): A Primary Concern
One of the biggest challenges facing astronauts on long spaceflights is Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Optical Syndrome (SANS). SANS affects more than 60% of astronauts who spend extended periods in zero gravity, and it tends to get worse the longer an astronaut is in space.
SANS is related to pressure changes in the blood vessels, brain, eye sockets, and eyeballs. Fluid shifts and what are known as cephalad shifts — when fluids move toward the head — contribute to the condition.
Unfortunately, today’s medical interventions for eye and brain health have limitations in space.
That’s why researchers are working on new tools to address these issues, including miniaturized vision-tracking goggles that may help astronauts maintain good vision and neurological health on long missions.
The peril of radiation exposure during a Mars voyage
One of the biggest hurdles to a successful mission to Mars is the threat of radiation exposure for the astronauts.
Defining the radiation threat
Here on Earth, we’re protected from high-energy galactic cosmic particles and solar particle events by our planet’s magnetic field. But in space, astronauts are vulnerable to these particles, which can cause serious health problems.
Mitigation strategies and ongoing research
Scientists are working on ways to shield astronauts from radiation, but current technologies have limitations. There’s also research into medications and other preventative measures that could help protect astronauts from the harmful effects of radiation.
One of the biggest challenges is the unpredictable nature of solar events. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections can send bursts of high-energy charged particles hurtling through space, and a single burst could be dangerous to astronauts on a mission to Mars.
Physiological challenges of weightlessness and distance
Cardiovascular and neurological effects of weightlessness
Extended periods of weightlessness can cause fluids to move around in the body, which can harm cardiovascular and neurological health.
Astronauts can experience syncope, or fainting, as well as other health issues related to the changes in gravity.
The challenge of remote medical care
One of the biggest challenges of a mission to Mars is that medical care will be very limited. If an astronaut on the International Space Station has a medical emergency, it only takes a day or two to get them back to Earth for treatment. On a trip to Mars, that’s not an option.
That’s why researchers are working to develop AI-enabled portable medical devices that astronauts can use to get medical advice and treatment on board the spacecraft. It’s essential that astronauts be able to diagnose and treat medical conditions themselves, since they won’t have access to help from Earth.
The psychological impact of long-term confinement and isolation
A mission to Mars is going to be tough, physically and mentally. The isolation and confinement are likely to take a toll on the astronauts. Psychological health, along with team dynamics, will be critical.
So, what can be done to mitigate the psychological risks of such a long journey?
One step is to screen astronauts before the flight to try to predict who will handle the isolation best. Training can help, and it will also be important to maintain communications with Earth as much as possible. Support systems on board the spacecraft will be essential, and researchers are already studying the effects of isolation on brain function and mental health.
Putting It All Together
Sending humans to Mars is an incredibly complex undertaking, especially when you consider the medical challenges. We need to have a good understanding of how the human body will respond to the conditions astronauts will face during long-duration space travel.
That’s why ongoing research and collaboration between organizations like NASA and medical institutions such as Houston Methodist Hospital are so important. By working together, we can advance our knowledge and improve our preparedness for crewed missions to Mars.
With continued effort and innovation, the future of space exploration looks bright.