The Challenge of Interstellar Travel: Are We Earthbound by Design?
As humanity dreams of venturing beyond our solar system, the challenges of interstellar travel become increasingly apparent. Among these challenges, the health of our kidneys in space raises critical questions about our ability to thrive in extraterrestrial environments. However, kidney health is just one aspect of a broader range of biological challenges that highlight our limitations in space. **The Impact of Space on Human Health** Recent research has revealed that microgravity and space radiation pose significant risks to kidney health. In microgravity, the body’s fluids redistribute, which can lead to kidney stones and affect the kidneys' ability to filter waste [[❞]](https://www.theisn.org/blog/2023/03/30/new-global-kidney-health-report-sheds-light-on-current-capacity-around-the-world-to-deliver-kidney-care/) [[❞]](https://www.worldkidneyday.org/2024-campaign/). Additionally, increased exposure to cosmic radiation may cause long-term damage to kidney tissues, potentially lead...