A new study has suggested that female astronauts may face a hidden risk of developing blood clots during space missions, underscoring the need for more gender-specific research in space medicine.
The research was carried out by scientists at Simon Fraser University’s Aerospace Physiology Laboratory in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency. The findings were published in the scientific journal Acta Astronautica.
Space travel is already known to cause significant physiological changes. Astronauts often experience muscle loss, reduced bone density and changes in the cardiovascular and nervous systems due to prolonged exposure to Microgravity. The latest study indicates that women may also face a greater risk of blood clot formation under such conditions.
Five-Day Microgravity Simulation Experiment
To study the effects of weightlessness, researchers conducted a five-day “dry immersion” experiment involving 18 healthy female volunteers.
In this simulation, participants floated in a water bath while remaining dry through a waterproof barrier. The method allows scientists to replicate many of the physiological effects of Microgravity experienced during spaceflight.
Researchers monitored the participants’ blood using Rotational Thromboelastometry, a diagnostic technique that measures how quickly blood clots form and how strong those clots become.
The findings revealed that:
- Blood took longer to begin clotting in the simulated microgravity environment.
- Once clotting started, it occurred more rapidly.
- The resulting clots were stronger and more stable, making them potentially harder for the body to break down.
Why Blood Clots In Space Are Concerning
On Earth, blood clots often form in the legs due to gravity and can sometimes travel to the lungs, leading to a dangerous condition known as Pulmonary Embolism.
In space, however, body fluids shift towards the head and neck because of the absence of gravity. This redistribution increases the likelihood of clots forming in the Jugular Vein.
The issue gained attention after an astronaut aboard the International Space Station was diagnosed with a jugular vein clot in 2020, highlighting the potential medical risks of long-duration missions.
Implications For Future Space Missions
Researchers say the findings are not immediately alarming for short missions, but they could become more important as space agencies plan longer journeys beyond Earth’s orbit.
Upcoming missions under the Artemis Program and future expeditions to Mars could keep astronauts in space for months or even years, increasing the importance of understanding such risks.
To build a clearer picture, scientists are now planning further studies comparing clotting responses between men and women in microgravity conditions.
These insights could help space agencies develop targeted medical protocols and preventive measures to protect astronaut health during future deep-space missions.