Mars Missions May Pose a Serious Threat to Astronauts’ Kidneys, Researchers Warn
A new study led by University College London researchers suggests that astronauts on long-duration Mars missions may face kidney damage due to microgravity and galactic cosmic radiation. The study found significant remodeling in human and animal kidneys after spaceflight, with potential implications for kidney function and stone risk.
Researchers from over 40 institutions across five continents conducted an extensive study on kidney health in spaceflight, analyzing data from over 40 low-Earth-orbit missions and 11 ground-based spaceflight simulations. The study found that both human and animal kidneys undergo significant changes in space, with specific kidney tubules showing signs of shrinkage after less than a month in space. Microgravity is likely the cause of this shrinkage, but further research is needed to determine the impact of radiation. The study's findings have implications for long-duration missions to Mars, where astronauts may be exposed to galactic cosmic radiation and microgravity for extended periods. The kidneys may be vulnerable to damage, potentially leading to kidney failure or increased risk of kidney stones. The researchers warn that new ways to protect the kidneys may be needed to prevent catastrophic consequences for future Mars missions.
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