What Is Space Anemia? Everything You Need To Know

Extended missions in space have illuminated new health concerns for astronauts like Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. Prolonged exposure to the harsh environment of space is causing significant issues, including space anemia, which poses serious risks to their health.

After-effects of space radiation 

Space radiation, which consists of high-energy particles, presents one of the major challenges. This radiation can cause DNA damage and mutations, leading to potential genetic disorders. Moreover, it contributes to oxidative stress, adversely affecting red blood cells (RBCs). In space, the human body undergoes accelerated destruction of RBCs—about 3 million per second compared to 2 million per second on Earth. This increase translates to a 54 per cent higher rate of RBC destruction during a typical six-month mission.

Space anemia has been noted in astronauts returning to Earth from the very beginning of space exploration. Our research now reveals that the destruction of RBCs begins as soon as astronauts enter space and continues throughout their mission,

The RBC effect 

The phenomenon is attributed to changes in fluid distribution in microgravity, which affects the production and lifespan of RBCs. Astronauts experience a loss of up to 10 per cent of their blood volume, exacerbating the problem. This continuous RBC destruction or hemolysis is a critical issue that researchers strive to address to ensure the well-being of astronauts on extended missions.

As space exploration pushes further into long-duration missions, understanding and mitigating the effects of space anemia and other health complications will be crucial for safeguarding the health of future space travellers.