Artificial hibernation may save astronauts on long-term missions from exposure to lethal doses of cosmic rays, new research suggests.
That includes a manned mission to Mars, expected in the late 2030s or 2040s.
Space radiation exposure is the most dangerous factor in space travel and arguably the biggest barrier to long-term human space exploration.
Published in Scientific ReportspaperResearchers are thinking of artificially putting astronauts into a “dormant” state. This is the state of animals when they hibernate for the winter. It is known that living organisms in such a state have reduced life support activities and undergo changes at the molecular level, and the following changes occur.
・Body temperature drops
・metabolism decreases
-Slow heart rate
・Oxygen uptake decreases
Decreased gene activity and protein synthesis
Experiments with rats, which, like humans, do not hibernate, have shown that artificially produced hibernation increases resistance to radiation. It is already accepted among scientists that animals undergoing natural hibernation acquire radiation resistance.
A six-month or longer journey to safely send astronauts to Mars may require artificial hibernation to protect them from cosmic radiation (Getty Images)
This is important because in space it is very difficult to protect astronauts from the harmful effects of cosmic rays. The biggest concern is galactic cosmic radiation (GCR). High-energy charged particles that originate in distant galaxies, including densely ionized heavy ions, cannot be prevented from entering the bodies of spacecraft and astronauts.
The existence of the GCR means that astronauts will be exposed to radiation levels more than 200 times the safe background radiation on Earth for extended periods of time. However, the current study shows that artificial hibernation reduces radiation-induced tissue damage.
“Our results show that artificial hibernation is a promising way to enhance the radiation protection of organisms on long-term space missions,” said Professor Marco Durante of the GSI Accelerator Institute in Germany. . “This might be an effective strategy to protect humans exploring the solar system.”
Our results also suggest that low tissue oxygen levels and decreased metabolism are two important factors in preventing radiation-induced cell damage. Further research is needed on the effects of artificial hibernation on organs, the researchers said, adding that it is currently not possible to hibernate humans in a safe and controlled manner.
Wishing for clear skies and big eyes.