New Study Says 'Space Anemia' Could Derail Dreams Of Putting Humans On Mars

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A new study shows that a long stay in space pushes the human body to destroy 54 percent more red blood cells than it would usually do on Earth, a finding that puts prospects of ambitious projects like putting people on Mars — or even further exploration missions — into jeopardy. Commonly known as space anemia, the reduced concentration of red blood cells in the body of astronauts returning from space has been known for over a decade. Also known as “Astronaut anemia,” NASA first began to study the impact of long-term space flight in 2016.

Red blood cells carry oxygen inside the human body and a lack of these cells results in a condition called anemia. It can affect both physical and mental functioning, both of which need to be in top condition to qualify for space missions. Lower than normal levels of red blood cell concentration can lead to issues such as fatigue, decreased strength, misfiring cognitive capabilities, and out-of-shape heart activity. The MARROW study has finally concluded a key phase, and it doesn’t sound very promising for space exploration goals.

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Titled “Hemolysis contributes to anemia during long-duration space flight” and published in Nature Medicine, the research reveals that the bodies of astronauts destroyed 54 percent more red blood cells in space than they would do on Earth. As part of the research, a team from the University of Ottawa studied fourteen astronauts who embarked on six-month trips to the International Space Station between 2015 and 2020. Astronauts participating in the study collected air coming out of their lungs, ambient air samples, and a blood sample following a fixed schedule. Breath and blood samples