According to a Florida State University researcher, astronauts from the successful Apollo space program have greater incidences of cardiovascular issues, which are assumed to be brought on by their exposure to deep-space radiation.
The men who went into deep space as part of the lunar missions were exposed to levels of galactic cosmic radiation that have not been experienced by any other astronauts or cosmonauts, according to a new paper published in Scientific Reports by FSU Dean of the College of Human Sciences and Professor Michael Delp. Cardiovascular issues are now showing up as a result of such exposure.
“We know very little about the effects of deep space radiation on human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system,” Delp said. “This gives us the first glimpse into its adverse effects on humans.”
The mortality of Apollo astronauts has never been studied before. 11 manned space missions were made between 1968 and 1972 as part of the Apollo program, which operated from 1961 to 1972. Nine of those sailed into the farthest reaches of space.
The Apollo 13 mission that failed and served as the basis for the well-known 1995 Ron Howard movie are two of the program’s most prominent accomplishments. Now that the United States and other countries, as well as private groups, are making preparations for deep space flight, Delp’s research is particularly interesting.
In order to get ready for a manned expedition to Mars, NASA has released plans for American orbital missions around the moon from 2020 to 2030. The European Space Agency, China, and Russia are all considering moon missions. Elon Musk’s company SpaceX has also suggested sending people to Mars by 2026.
Because they are highly educated and have access to excellent medical care, astronauts often have better healthcare results than the general population. But when they ventured into deep space, the group of men in the Apollo program encountered different environmental conditions than anyone else in the globe.
We know very little about the effects of deep space radiation on human health, particularly on the cardiovascular system. This gives us the first glimpse into its adverse effects on humans.
Professor Michael Delp
Delp discovered that cardiovascular issues played a role in the deaths of 43% of Apollo astronauts. Compared to astronauts who have not flown in space and astronauts who have visited low Earth orbit, this figure is four to five times greater.
Eight of the 24 astronauts who participated in the Apollo lunar missions have passed away, and seven are part of the study. After the data analysis was finished, the ninth Edgar Mitchell passed away.
Mice were also exposed to the same kind of radiation that would have been faced by Apollo astronauts by Delp and his colleagues. The mice showed a weakening of the arteries after six months, or the equivalent of 20 human years, which is known to cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in people.
“What the mouse data show is that deep space radiation is harmful to vascular health,” Delp said.
Delp is collaborating with NASA to carry out more cardiovascular health studies on the Apollo astronauts.
