Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, currently stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) until February 2025, face potential health risks, including a condition known as space anaemia. This phenomenon, characterized by a reduction in red blood cells, poses a significant challenge during extended space missions.
Space anaemia occurs due to the body destroying red blood cells at an accelerated rate in the microgravity environment of space. While on Earth, the body balances the creation and destruction of red blood cells, producing and destroying 2 million cells every second. However, in space, the destruction rate jumps to 3 million cells per second, as revealed by a study published in Nature Medicine. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and reduced physical and mental performance.
NASA’s research indicates that red blood cell destruction begins almost immediately after entering space and continues throughout the mission. Upon returning to Earth, the condition can worsen due to the reintroduction of gravity, causing a temporary spike in red blood cell destruction.
Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief BMT at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, highlighted additional risks for Williams and Wilmore, including bone loss, muscle atrophy, and cardiovascular changes, all exacerbated by the microgravity environment.
NASA is actively researching strategies to mitigate the effects of space anaemia, particularly as they plan for future deep-space missions. Understanding and addressing this condition is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of astronauts.
