Space exploration is a dangerous mission that requires careful preparation and a deep understanding of the challenges inherent to life in space. One crucial aspect of this venture is the health of astronauts, who are exposed to extreme environmental conditions like ionizing radiation and microgravity.
Because of this, understanding the human microbiome and its adaptation to the space environment has become an important field of study to ensure the success of long-term space explorations.
Health Impacts of Human Microbiome
The human microbiome is the microorganisms that live in symbiosis with our body, specifically the skin, intestine, and mucous membranes. These microorganisms are vital in immunity, digestion, and regulating different physiological processes.
Human microbiomes comprise bacteria, viruses, archaea, and eukaryotes that live within and outside our bodies and affect human physiology by enhancing or impairing metabolic and immune processes.
The microbiome constantly evolves due to host factors like age, lifestyle, inherited genes, nutrition, hormonal changes, and underlying diseases. They serve as determinants of the human microbiome at any given time. Any alteration in the biological makeup of the human microbiota can lead to life-threatening diseases.
Biological Challenges in Space Missions
During space missions, the harsh environment can disrupt the balance of the microbiome in the human body, leading to adverse consequences for astronauts' health. This has been the assumption of a group of researchers led by Professor Lembit Sihver from the Vienna Institute of Technology. Their study is reported in the paper "How the adaptation of the human microbiome to harsh space environment can determine the chances of success for a space mission to Mars and beyond."
Combining astromicrobiological preparation with mission planning and execution can help ensure the health and well-being of astronauts and the overall success of deep space ventures. Astromicrobiology helps understand the effects of microbial persistence and succession on closed systems like spacecraft and habitats.
The composition and function of microbiomes could change spaceflight. Taking necessary measures to support a healthy microbiome in astronauts will not only help maintain their body health during the mission, but it can also help their rehabilitation upon returning to Earth.
Radiation exposure is one of the main health concerns for astronauts who travel in space. Space radiation is very different and much more damaging than radiation on Earth. When exposed to radiation, microorganisms can resist antibiotics, heat, UV rays, extreme dryness, and other fatal elements. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of radiation on humans and their microbiome.
Additionally, studying the microbiome can help understand the effect of space travel on the immune system. Microorganisms that live in different parts of the body aid in maintaining good health by producing essential vitamins and helping develop and regulate the immune system.
When the composition of the intestinal flora changes due to genetic and environmental factors, it can increase the probability of infection with pathogens, contribute to the development of inflammatory disorders, and promote the spread of harmful organisms. Thus, any disruption of the microbiome can potentially affect immune function.
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