Scientists from the European Space Agency are working on a scenario worthy of a science fiction film. They plan to hibernate a full crew of astronauts from Earth to Mars. Apparently, this technique could be an advantage for long-duration space missions as it would make travel safer. It would also make it possible to make great savings in terms of mass.
Astronauts face major logistical problems
During space travel, astronauts face a significant logistical problem because of the space for food and equipment in the shuttles. Much of the mass is devoted to basic living needs such as water, air, food, and waste disposal. So, to solve this problem, scientists are considering put human bodies in a state of torpor during travels which can last for decades. They will only be awakened when they arrive at their destination.
In this way, the astronauts would not need to drink or eat. The only resource they will consume would be oxygen and the only waste they will produce would be carbon dioxide. And as with hibernating animals, all the energy required for the functioning of the body would be extracted from fat.
This solution still belongs to the realm of science fiction
A trio of Chilean researchers investigated the relationship between body mass and energy expenditure in hibernating animals. The results of their research, published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society, do not seem favorable to humans. Indeed, in these animals, body temperature drops significantly, heart rate and breathing slow down, and metabolism is reduced. Which would reduce the body’s energy expenditure by up to 98% in some cases, reports Science Alert.
To survive, the animal burns the fat reserves it has accumulated and loses more than a quarter of its total weight during hibernation. However, for humans, hibernation suggests consuming at least 12,000 kilojoules per day. He would therefore lose about 2 kg per year during the trip.
Such fat loss would only be suitable for relatively short trips. Or, one would have to accumulate several hundred kilograms of body fat before leaving for longer trips.
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