Long-duration space missions come with a host of challenges, particularly concerning the health and well-being of astronauts. As humanity prepares for deeper space exploration, researchers are investigating innovative solutions to mitigate the risks associated with extended time in space. A team from the University of Pittsburgh, funded by NASA, is exploring the potential benefits of inducing lower metabolic rates in astronauts, akin to the hibernation strategies observed in certain animal species.

Kate Flickinger, a principal physiologist at the Applied Physiology Lab within the Department of Emergency Medicine at Pitt, is leading this groundbreaking research. As a fellow at the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), she aims to understand how reducing metabolic rates could positively impact astronauts’ muscular and skeletal health during prolonged missions.

Space travel poses several risks, including exposure to harmful radiation, vision impairment, decreased bone density, and muscle atrophy. Flickinger highlights the importance of maintaining astronaut health, stating, “They’re not going to have all of the exercise equipment that they have on the International Space Station. But if you get to Mars and your body is Jello and you can’t even get out of the spacecraft, then the mission is a failure.”

Flickinger’s interest in this area began in 2012 while collaborating on a project under the mentorship of Clifton Callaway, the executive vice chair of emergency medicine. The Callaway lab has a history of researching the effects of lowering body temperature and metabolic rates, particularly in patients recovering from cardiac arrest. This research has shown that reducing core body temperature can enhance neurological outcomes and survival rates.

Inspired by these findings, Flickinger and her team contemplated the application of similar principles to other populations, including astronauts. When TRISH announced a call for research proposals focused on metabolic manipulation, they eagerly seized the opportunity to explore this uncharted territory.

Supported by TRISH—a NASA-funded consortium led by Baylor College of Medicine—the researchers have been able to think creatively about how lower metabolism could be beneficial not just for astronauts but also for patients on Earth. Flickinger notes, “All of us in the department are pretty big space fans. We had daydreamed about this for years in the lab.”

While the team acknowledges that we are far from enabling humans to hibernate like bears for extended periods, their research draws parallels between hibernating animals and the physiological challenges faced by astronauts. Notably, hibernating bears do not experience bone mass loss or mineral density reduction, a stark contrast to what is observed in patients confined to intensive care units.

Flickinger and her collaborators, including Clif Callaway, Frank Guyette, a professor of emergency medicine, and Alexandra Weisman, are investigating the mechanisms behind these differences. Their research aims to uncover how metabolic manipulation could preserve astronaut health during long missions, potentially paving the way for safer exploration of distant planets.

As the vision for human exploration of Mars and beyond becomes more tangible, the findings from this research could play a crucial role in ensuring that astronauts remain healthy and capable throughout their journeys. By addressing the physiological challenges presented by long-duration spaceflight, researchers are not only contributing to the future of space exploration but also enhancing medical practices on Earth.

The implications of this research extend beyond the cosmos, as the knowledge gained could inform treatment strategies for patients suffering from conditions that require prolonged immobilization. This innovative approach highlights the interconnectedness of space exploration and advancements in medical science, showcasing how research in one field can lead to breakthroughs in another.

As the team continues its work, they remain hopeful that their findings will contribute to the development of effective countermeasures against the health risks associated with long-term space missions. With NASA’s support and the enthusiasm of the research team, the future of human space exploration looks promising, with health and safety at the forefront of mission planning.