Advance and Scope of Spatial Hibernation

According to research performed by the European Space Agency, the hibernation process, until now applied in some animals, could be induced in humans.

During space travel, supplies like food, water, and oxygen are of overriding importance. "We are talking about 30 kilograms per astronaut per week, we must also consider radiation, mental and physiological challenges", summarizes Jennifer Ngo-Anh, research coordinator of Human Exploration and Robotics payload at the European Space Agency (ESA).

Together, these variables make travel quite heavy and require lots of physical-emotional effort and a relevant expense of inputs; Therefore, hibernation could be an excellent alternative and reduce those problems during long trips.

Hibernation pods

Researchers have suggested the realization of space capsules, which can perform the process of human hibernation. These machines need flexible shells, low light temperature and environment (less than 10 ºC), and high humidity to be successful. Although the astronauts would move very little through limited space, they won't be restrained and should wear clothes that would prevent overheating.

In addition, artificial intelligence will be vital for this project, as it will be the one that measures the posture, temperature, and heart rate of the astronauts, through sensors included in the hibernation capsules. These machines will have water deposits that act as a shield to avoid the effects of space radiation. It should be noted that this feature will prevent damage caused by high-energy particles, which can cause cell death or cancer.

Other concerns
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Another problem to solve is physical conditioning, since being in a state of prostration for more than six months produces a swell loss of muscle and bone strength, apart from increasing the risk of heart problems. "But research teaches us that hibernation prevents muscle and bone disuse atrophy and protects against tissue damage" explains Alexander Choukér, professor of medicine at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany.

Metabolism is another characteristic that must be avoided, so the research was done based on therapeutic lethargy in people. An example of this is the process of hypothermia, where doctors perform a decrease in body temperature below 35 degrees to reduce metabolic activity during long and complex surgeries.

In conclusion, several problems need to be solved. Despite the recent advances "we still do not know when we will be able to apply these techniques in humans," says Ngo-Anh. "It won’t be today or tomorrow. But as time goes on, this will be a reality for long-term manned missions," she says.