Human development and reproduction in space-a European perspective

Area of Science:

• Space Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• The European Space Agency (ESA) has released its first Science Community White Paper on reproductive and developmental systems.
• Existing knowledge on human development and reproduction in space is being mapped against this new roadmap.
• The paper acknowledges the influence of sex and gender on physiological systems, while excluding gender identity from its scope.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize key aspects of the ESA's white paper on reproductive and developmental systems in space.
• To map current knowledge to the roadmap for human space reproduction and development.
• To outline considerations for conception, gestation, and birth in space.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of current knowledge.
• Analysis of the implications of space travel on reproductive health.
• Roadmap development for future research and exploration.

Main Results:

• The white paper addresses the effects of space travel on male and female reproductive systems.
• It includes the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis in its considerations.
• The review maps current knowledge to the ESA's roadmap for space reproduction.

Conclusions:

• Space travel presents unique challenges for human reproduction and development.
• Further research is needed to understand and mitigate risks associated with conception, gestation, and birth in space.
• Findings may have broader societal implications for human adaptation and survival.