NASA decodes the dangers of human spaceflight to Mars



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In an effort to make an organized effort to overcome obstacles before a human journey on Mars, NASA has decoded some of the dangers that astronauts may encounter on the red planet.

The Space Agency's Human Research Program (HRP) used analogs, labs and the International Space Station (ISS) on the ground to assess the human performance and countermeasures needed for the exploration of March in the 2030s.

The team divided the risks into five categories: radiation; isolation and confinement; distance from the earth; gravity (or lack thereof) and hostile or closed environments.

"Natural protection against the Earth, exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer, damages the central nervous system, can impair cognitive function, reduce motor function and cause behavioral changes," NASA said Monday.

To alleviate this problem, large-area vehicles will have significant shielding, dosimetry and protection alerts.

In addition, crews must be carefully selected, trained and supported to ensure they can work effectively as a team for months or years in space.

Sleep loss, circadian desynchronization and the problem of work overload are isolated and confined and can lead to decreased performance, adverse health outcomes and compromised mission goals.

Another danger is the distance from the Earth. Mars is on average 140 million kilometers from Earth and as astronauts would leave for about three years.

For example, when astronauts aboard the ISS face a medical event or emergency, the crew can return home in a matter of hours. In addition, freight vehicles continually supply crews with fresh food, medical equipment and other resources.

However, once you have burned your engines for Mars, there is no more going back and replenishing.

"Faced with a communication delay of up to 20 minutes in one direction and the possibility of equipment breakdowns or a medical emergency, astronauts must be able to cope

A human mission on Mars can also meet the variance of gravity.

On Mars, astronauts should live and work in three-eighths of Earth's gravitational attraction for two years. This can have an impact on their bones, muscles, cardiovascular system.

NASA is identifying how current and future approved US Food and Drug Administration osteoporosis treatments could be used to mitigate the risk of astronauts developing premature bone loss.

The spaceship bound to Mars will include important livability factors such as temperature, pressure, lighting, noise and the amount of space. It is essential that astronauts receive the food, sleep and exercise needed to stay healthy and happy.

"While these five risks pose significant challenges, they also provide opportunities for growth and innovation in technology, medicine, and our understanding of the human body," said the space agency.

–IANS

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(This article has not been modified by Business Standard staff and is generated automatically from a syndicated feed).

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