After organizing a successful Mars mission and sending rovers to explore the Red Planet, scientists are investigating the possibility of a human landing on Mars. A team of space medicine experts has proposed a mathematical model that can be used to predict whether astronauts can safely reach Mars and carry out missions after setting foot on the planet’s surface. Experts tried to test whether the human body could withstand the gravitational force of Mars without fainting or experiencing a medical emergency. They have modeled the effects of prolonged exposure to zero gravity on the cardiovascular system.
According to experts from the Australian National University (ANU), a mathematical model could be useful in determining the effects of short and long flights to Mars on the bodies of astronauts in future human missions to the Red Planet.
Because Mars has a weaker gravity than Earth, experts believe that constant exposure to microgravity, or near zero gravity, could affect astronauts’ bodies. ANU Medical School Research Fellow Dr. According to Lex van Loon, astronauts traveling to Mars are exposed to zero gravity along with harmful radiation from the Sun.
“We know that it takes about six to seven months to get to Mars, and the weightlessness of zero-gravity space travel can change the structure of your blood vessels or the strength of your heart,” explained Dr Wan. loan He is also the lead author of a paper published in NPJ Microgravity,
The researcher added that mathematical models can be used to assess whether people are suitable for sending to Mars. The model uses algorithms that are based on astronaut data collected from previous space missions.
Describing the effects of zero gravity on our bodies, astrophysicist and emergency medicine registrar Dr Emma Tucker said the lack of gravity in space causes our body fluids to shift to the upper half. This, according to her, makes the body think that there is too much fluid in the system. “As a result, you start going to the toilet a lot, you start getting rid of excess fluid, you’re not thirsty and you’re not drinking as much, which means you’re dehydrating in space,” Tucker added.
Therefore, the new model can help determine whether astronauts can safely reach the Red Planet and carry out their missions.
