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HomeSpaceSpaceX tourists help science understand the impact of space travel on the...

SpaceX tourists help science understand the impact of space travel on the human body

A new study based on a group of SpaceX space tourists has provided insight into what happens to the body when it travels through space. Encouraging results for the future of space tourism, even if precautions remain necessary.

A new age of space exploration

We are entering a new era of space conquest. Not only is it becoming possible to go places where humans have never set foot before, such as Mars, but we will also reconnect with destinations that have been neglected for decades, such as the Moon. All this with the support of private companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin, which are simultaneously opening a new branch dedicated to space tourism.

A promising future, which nevertheless raises a crucial question: what is the impact of space travel on the human body? Answering them is essential, not only for the agencies and astronauts aiming for Mars, but also for the emerging space tourism industry. Because these companies would be delighted to send anyone up there who can afford a stay out of this world!

The Inspiration4 Tourist Study

Much remains to be done to analyze in detail the effects of space on health. But a study has just published interesting first results, based on data collected on 4 space tourists who participated in SpaceX's Inspiration4 mission in 2021. A first for an entirely civilian orbital flight.

Researchers from around the world examined the data from this group, comparing it to that of 64 professional astronauts. They found that our bodies undergo a variety of changes during spaceflight, from stress levels to proteins to genes. But most of these parameters return to normal within 3 months of returning to Earth.

A transient impact on health

We already knew that space flights are very taxing on the body, between the radiation and the disorientation linked to weightlessness. Medium-term health problems such as loss of bone mass or cardiac and visual problems have been observed in astronauts. But their small number (less than 700 people have traveled to space) limits large-scale studies.

The originality here is that the 4 tourists from Inspiration4 agreed to make their data public. Verdict: 95% of biomarkers modified during the flight returned to normal within 3 months. According to co-lead author Christopher Mason, people therefore recover quickly after spaceflight. Enough to reassure future tourists, even if precautions remain in order.

Better protect tourists and astronauts

This unprecedented study should help scientists define the measures needed to protect the health of space travelers, whether they are there for pleasure or on a mission. Because the goal of Inspiration4 was precisely to show that space is accessible to people who have not undergone years of training.

After rigorous medical examinations, the 4 civilian astronauts were able to fly and return without apparent damage, despite some temporary bodily changes. One small step for SpaceX, one big step for space tourism! Even if we will still have to refine our knowledge to guarantee trips out of this world with complete peace of mind.

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