Hidden challenge of space travel Protecting astronaut kidneys on long-distance missions

As humanity looks to embark on space journeys that could take us far beyond our planet, such as missions to Mars, the challenges of prolonged space travel are becoming clearer. One major concern is the health of astronauts’ kidneys, which may face significant risks during long missions due to space conditions.

Recent research has raised alarms about kidney health in space, revealing that the organs could suffer permanent damage from galactic radiation and microgravity. Studies led by Dr. Keith Siew from the London Tubular Centre and a global team of researchers examined data from over 40 space missions, both human and animal, to understand how space affects kidney function, according to a recent article by Earth.com.

The study, which is the most comprehensive of its kind, found that the kidneys of astronauts in low Earth orbit are already experiencing changes in structure and function due to microgravity. These alterations are even more pronounced with exposure to cosmic radiation, which is known to penetrate typical space shields. Experiments with mice simulated up to 2.5 years of space travel and revealed irreversible kidney damage, with changes in how the kidneys manage essential minerals, increasing the risk of kidney stones.

This study shifts the conversation from previous assumptions about kidney stones forming due to bone loss in space. Instead, it highlights that prolonged exposure to microgravity and radiation directly impacts kidney tubules that regulate salts and calcium, leading to increased stone formation. These findings are crucial because, while astronauts in low Earth orbit benefit from partial protection by Earth’s magnetic field, no one has yet been on a mission that exposes them fully to cosmic radiation for long periods.

With future missions planned to last much longer, such as the proposed Mars mission, scientists are concerned that astronauts will need dialysis if they experience kidney failure. Dr. Siew emphasized that the kidneys' delayed response to radiation damage could jeopardize the success of long-term missions, making it essential to find solutions to protect these vital organs.

The researchers’ work underscores the importance of developing strategies to mitigate the effects of space travel on kidney health, which could also have broader applications for improving treatments on Earth, such as helping cancer patients endure higher doses of radiation. As space agencies prepare for more ambitious missions, ensuring kidney health will be vital for the success of deep-space exploration.

By Vugar Khalilov