Theoretically, treatments could be developed to prevent this “rigidity” at the molecular level, but “do we want that?” asks Schrepfer. This may be a protective mechanism for blood vessels. In this case, bypassing this mechanism could lead to other medical problems.
The health and physical abilities of astronauts on the International Space Station deteriorate over time. Photo: NASA
Eyes, bones, muscles
Problems with vision, bones, muscles and the immune system are also on the list of medical hurdles that have not yet been solved after all the years of studying people and mice in weightlessness.
Not to mention the potential damage caused by long-term exposure to solar radiation.
Here, too, the astronaut could theoretically isolate himself in a specially protected room in a spaceship or on the moon. However, in the latter case, the astronaut must still have time to get there, considering that he would have less than 30 minutes left in the event of a solar flare alert.
The October issue of Scientific American.
Which economic model?
A less frequently cited problem is cost. Elon Musk was able to create the illusion that a philanthropist would care, but he forgets that the private companies currently heading into space would not exist without the contribution of governments. They rely on government subsidies and contracts.