The biggest hurdle mankind faces as we get set for the next chapter is space exploration is the Human factor.
Whilst the technological challenges in getting us back to the Moon and then to Mars and beyond will no doubt be formidable, the biggest challenge will be how to keep astronauts both physically and mentally fit during long duration missions.

Here are some of the health hazards facing any future team of astronauts sent to Mars:

- PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS: Loneliness, depression, anxiety, claustrophobia, boredom, personality conflicts within the crew.

- EMERGENCIES: Anything from motion sickness and impaired coordination to toothache and appendicitis.

- RADIATION: High-speed particles in space can slice human DNA, boosting the risk of cancer.

- MUSCULAR ATROPHY: Need for a strict exercise regime to overcome loss of muscle tone due to zero gravity.

- BONE DEMINERALISATION: Bones become more porous, thus weaker, in long-duration space missions.

The recent case of the US shuttle astronaut Lisa Nowak going bananas highlights the risk posed by the Human factor.

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Filed under: spaceflight, nasa