Astronaut hibernation may be the best way to save costs on a mission to Mars, reduce the size of the spacecraft and keep the crew healthy during the long journey to the planet, argue scientists.
In a study led by the European Space Agency (ESA), which released its findings in a statement, a team of researchers suggests that human hibernation (induced by medication with a sedative action to reduce metabolism) could prove to be a “revolutionary technique for space travel”.
+ Omega launches new version of “astronaut watch” for $ 81,000
According to the ESA, reducing the metabolic rate of a crew en route to Mars to 25% of its normal state would allow it to decrease the size of the spacecraft and its payload (food, water, oxygen), making the round trip two hours a day. “most viable” years.
Some animals, such as bats, hibernate during the winter, lowering their body temperature and general metabolism to the limit of survival, using food reserves. Hibernation is defined by a state of numbness or lethargy (similar to deep sleep).
Scientists propose building capsules for astronauts with settings adjusted to a “soft hibernation”: quiet environment with low light, low temperature – less than 10°C – and high humidity.
Astronauts would move very little and wear clothing that would prevent overheating. Sensors would measure your temperature, posture and heart rate. Before falling asleep, the crew must gain extra body fat. Each capsule must be surrounded by containers of water that will act as a shield against cosmic radiation.
“Hibernation will really help protect people from the harmful effects of radiation during deep space travel. Away from Earth’s magnetic field, damage from high-energy particles can result in cell death or cancer,” said one of the study’s authors, Alexander Choukér, from Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany.
According to Alexander Choukér, researcher, professor and anesthesiologist, hibernation also prevents muscle and bone atrophy and tissue damage.
According to the study’s coordinator, Jennifer Ngo-Anh, who works at ESA’s Directorate of Human Exploration and Robotics Programs, hibernation “would minimize the levels of boredom, loneliness and aggression associated with confinement in a spacecraft”.
With the crew resting for long periods, AI-assisted systems would spring into action during anomalies and emergencies.
“In addition to monitoring energy consumption and autonomous operations, the onboard computers will maintain optimal performance of the spacecraft until the crew can be woken up,” said Alexander Choukér.
know more
+ SP: Man dies standing, leaning against car, and scene scares residents on the coast
+ One twin became vegan, the other ate meat. Check the result
+ Reincarnation in history: an age-old belief
+ Andressa Urach asks for money on the internet: ‘Help me pay my card bill’
+ Horoscope: check today’s forecast for your sign
+ CNH: see what you need to know for the application and renewal
+ See which were the most stolen cars in SP in 2021
+ Expedition identifies giant squid responsible for ship sinking in 2011
+ Everything you need to know before buying a crockpot
+ US Agency warns: never wash raw chicken meat
+ What is known about fluorone?
+ Trick to squeeze lemons becomes a craze on social media
+ IPVA 2022 SP: see how to consult and pay the tax
#Astronauts #hibernation #solution #trips #Mars