Going to Mars could break your heart: How cosmic radiation leaves scars on blood vessels

A study in mice found that prolonged exposure to cosmic radiation, similar to what is expected during crewed missions to Mars, could cause changes in the heart's blood vessels. A crewed mission to Mars represents one of the greatest challenges in space exploration because of the effects of prolonged exposure to the interplanetary environment on the human body. In this environment, energetic particles from galactic cosmic rays and solar events can penetrate biological tissues and cause cellular damage. A study in rats revealed that cosmic radiation can alter the heart's blood vessels, potentially compromising the oxygen supply to the heart muscle. In addition to radiation, astronauts on long-duration missions face bone loss, muscle atrophy, and changes in cardiovascular regulation caused by microgravity. The combination of these factors can compromise the crew's physical capabilities during the journey.

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