Why Mars Missions Could Leave Astronauts with Lasting Kidney Damage

Study reveals that a roundtrip to the Red Planet could leave astronauts with permanent kidney damage.¹ Galactic cosmic radiation may jeopardize humanity’s boldest space endeavor yet.

Why? Kidney medications astronauts bring with them will expire before returning back to earth.

Here are nine critical things to know about this looming health hazard astronauts could face.

1. Kidneys Take a Beating in Space

The harsh conditions of space travel fundamentally alter kidney structure and function. Prolonged exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation causes the kidney tubules responsible for regulating calcium and salt balance to shrink. 

This remodeling occurs in less than a month, setting the stage for potential long-term complications.

2. Radiation Unleashes Renal Ruin

Galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) poses the greatest threat to astronauts’ kidneys on a Mars mission.^(ref) Mice subjected to simulated GCR doses equivalent to a 2.5-year journey exhibited lasting kidney damage and decline.

Shielding alone won’t cut it—technological and pharmaceutical solutions are desperately needed.

3. Dialysis: An Unwelcome Travel Companion

Lead researcher Keith Siew cautions, “If we don’t find new ways to protect the kidneys, I’d say that while an astronaut could make it to Mars, they might require dialysis during the return trip.”

Imagine needing life-sustaining treatment 140 million miles from Earth—not exactly a souvenir you want to bring back.

4. Calcium Chaos Fuels Kidney Stones

Spaceflight sends calcium regulation into disarray. Astronauts’ urine calcium levels spike significantly during missions, normalizing only upon returning to Earth’s gravity.

This imbalance, combined with decreased urine volume and increased concentration, sets the stage for painful kidney stones to form.

5. Bone Loss Adds Insult to Injury

As if radiation wasn’t enough, microgravity-induced bone loss further complicates the kidney stone risk. Calcium released from deteriorating bones finds its way into the urine, creating a perfect storm for stone formation.

Astronauts lose bone mass at a staggering rate of 1-2% per month in space.^(ref)

6. Fluid Shifts Wreak Havoc

In microgravity, fluids shift towards the head, triggering a cascade of physiological changes.

The body mistakes this fluid redistribution for an overall increase in volume, signaling the kidneys to excrete more salt and water. This adaptation alters the delicate balance needed for optimal kidney function.

7. Dehydration Danger Zone

Astronauts are prone to dehydration due to reduced thirst perception and increased water loss through respiration. Couple this with the kidney’s impaired ability to concentrate urine, and you’ve got a recipe for renal distress.

Adequate hydration is crucial, but no easy feat when every sip requires effort.

8. Cosmic Clues for Earthly Treatments

It’s not all doom and gloom—studying kidney health in space could yield valuable insights for patients on Earth.

Drugs developed to protect astronauts’ kidneys may enable cancer patients to tolerate higher doses of radiotherapy, a treatment currently limited by renal side effects.

9. The Mission Must Go On

Despite the daunting challenges, the quest to put boots on Martian soil remains a top priority. Identifying potential health hazards is the first step towards devising countermeasures.

As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, safeguarding the wellbeing of our intrepid astronauts is more critical than ever.

Source:
1. Science Daily