Are Germs the Biggest Threat to Long-Distance Space Travel?

Salmonella typhimurium.
Image: Volker Brinkmann.

Spaceflight exacts a heavy toll on the human body, but the effect of weightlessness on the human immune system poses a considerable obstacle to long missions in space. The Washington Post spoke with former astronaut Millie Hughes-Fulford, who is studying the effect of low gravity on the immune system, in their coverage of the microbe threat. She explained: “Human beings evolved in gravity, and it makes perfect sense that some systems—especially the immune and skeletal systems—might not do well without it.”

Researchers note that while astronauts are not currently getting sick on Shuttle missions, their immune systems show significant changes after only two weeks in space. This poses a major issue for astronauts making extended stays on the International Space Station, and for any future missions to the Moon or Mars. Travel to the red planet would put astronauts millions of miles away from Earth–out of range for a timely rescue.

Suppressed immune function is just one of many bioethical considerations for long-term spaceflight. In a recent Science Progress article, Paul Root Wolpe explored several other questions, such as how much medical training and equipment should be required on long missions, and what severity of illness or injury will be considered grounds for aborting a long mission to another planet.

Tags: bioethics, Space

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