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The Hidden Risk Of Space Travel

A recent study indicates that extended space travel, particularly missions to Mars, may adversely affect astronauts’ heart health. Conducted on the International Space Station (ISS), the research focused on bioengineered human heart tissue samples, which were found to beat with only half the strength of comparable samples kept on Earth after a month in microgravity. The study revealed concerning signs of inflammation and oxidative damage within these tissues, both of which are significant indicators of heart disease.

The findings, reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, align with previous research that has documented reduced heart muscle function and irregular heart rhythms in astronauts upon their return from space. While some of these negative effects tend to diminish over time, the potential for long-term heart issues remains a critical concern, particularly given that missions to Mars could span up to two years.

For this study, researchers created cardiomyocytes, or heart muscle cells, using stem cells and placed them in a specialized chip to monitor their contraction strength and beating patterns. This innovative approach utilized advanced technology in stem cell and tissue engineering, allowing scientists to gather real-time data on the heart tissues during their time in space. The tissues were launched aboard a SpaceX mission in March 2020 and maintained by astronaut Jessica Meir, who changed their nutrient solution weekly.

Upon returning to Earth, the heart tissues exhibited not only decreased strength but also irregular beating patterns. The delays between beats were significantly longer than normal, although they improved once the tissues were back on Earth. Researchers noted that the protein structures essential for muscle contraction became disorganized in the space-exposed samples, a change linked to human heart disease.

In light of these findings, a follow-up study is underway involving a new batch of heart tissue samples sent to the ISS in 2023 to test potential drugs that may protect the tissues from the effects of microgravity. The research team is also focused on refining their heart tissue chip technology and investigating how space radiation might impact human cardiac cells. These studies aim to better understand the health implications of long-term space travel for future missions.