Three findings about astronauts’ blood have set off all the alarms. Going to Mars will be more dangerous than expected

We do not want to recognize it, we are not willing to accept it, we refuse to see it; but no, we are not made for space. And our persistence, in the context of large, long-duration manned missions, can cost us dearly.

The last reminder has been the blood.

The blood? Indeed. Three recent findings (accelerated destruction of red blood cells, platelet dysfunction in microgravity and somatic mutations of hematopoietic stem cells) make it clear that we still have a long way to go before we can enter the depths of outer space without putting our lives at risk.

A giant elephant shaped like hematological syndrome. Because this is important, it is not a small health problem. None of that: we are talking about a whole hematological syndrome that affects us on numerous physiological fronts.

And it makes sense: the blood leaves a lot to be desired. Is too prone to clots and too slow to clot when it is needed. Plus, he’s not very good at putting up with things either. in space more red blood cells are destroyed than are produced and that generates persistent anemia that can take up to a year to recover.

This year it took place the first medical evacuation from the ISS and everything suggests that it will not be the last.

A very real problem. That’s what the evacuation of Colonel Mike Finckethat space medicine is not a theoretical question. Even more so, taking into account that every time there will be more people up thereorbital health has become a key issue.

What’s new? There is no big news, really: what is new is that an overall vision is now beginning to emerge. And that is giving us a clear idea of ​​the problems we face.

For example, space increases the risk of thrombosis and bleeding simultaneously: they are two completely opposite things that have no clear pharmacological approach.

And then? Simply be cautious. The new era of space exploration is going to expose us to the evils of space like never before. If we are not prepared, the ‘Gelsinger effect‘ may end up setting everything back a couple of decades.

Image | Bradley Dunn

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