In a new study, the researchers have observed that astronauts can suffer from permanent kidney damage if they go on missions to Mars.
After reviewing the health impacts of the 24 astronauts who had gone to the moon, it was observed
A review of the health impacts of space travel on the 24 astronauts who have travelled to the moon has found that many of them suffered changes to their kidneys as a result.
As per the study, the astronauts can develop painful kidney stones and may even need dialysis. The manned missions to Mars have been planned by both the US space agency NASA and the electric car tycoon Elon Musk.
Need for drugs to protect the kidneys of astronauts
Till the time new drugs are not made to protect the kidneys of astronauts, the health risk “would jeopardise” all kinds of 66 million-mile round trips to the Red Planet planned in the future.
The drugs can also prove beneficial on Earth as a protective medication which prevents cancer patients from getting their kidneys harmed during radiotherapy.
University College London scientists carried out a study of potential health impacts on space travellers and discovered that they are likely to suffer from kidney stones and may need dialysis when they are on the return flight.
The study was published in Nature Communications and it was the largest analysis on kidney health in space flight till now.
Watch: Is China practicing placing payload in space?
Since the 1970s, researchers have been aware that space flight leads to certain health issues. The health issues included weakening of the heart and eyesight, development of kidney stones and loss of bone mass.
A UCL-headed team of researchers from more than 40 institutions carried out a range of experiments and further looked into how kidneys were responding to space flight.
The authors said, “The most alarming finding, at least for any astronaut considering a three-year round trip to Mars, is that the kidneys of mice exposed to radiation simulating GCR for 2.5 years experienced permanent damage and loss of function.”
Author of the study from the London Tubular Centre, based at the UCL Department of Renal Medicine Dr Keith Siew said, “If we don’t develop new ways to protect the kidneys, I’d say that while an astronaut could make it to Mars they might need dialysis on the way back. We know that the kidneys are late to show signs of radiation damage; by the time this becomes apparent it’s probably too late to prevent failure, which would be catastrophic for the mission’s chances of success.”
(With inputs from agencies)