The case for an all-female crew to Mars

Abstract

A strong case can be made for an all-female crew, aged under 30 years, to Mars. The incidence of endothelial injuries on earth is six times higher in young men than in young women. On spaceflight, there is a far greater risk of endothelial injuries, with an accelerated aging process, complicating oxidative stress, and a Mg ion deficit with a self-sustaining inflammatory process. Pharmaceuticals in general are contraindicated because of malabsorption, and potential impairment in hepatic and renal perfusion. Also some pharmaceuticals deteriorate in space possibly associated with increased radiation. This prevents therapy for men in an attempt to compensate for their vascular disadvantages. Women have a considerable advantage because of endothelial protection, provided by estrogen, greater uptake of Mg in progressively diminishing storage sites in skeletal muscle and bone, and a physiological loss of iron, which is conducive to oxidative stress. Both estrogen and Mg are antioxidants and calcium blockers and compensate at least partly for diminished spaceflight vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby enhancing endothelial function, repair and angiogenesis. The only apparent disadvantage of an exclusively women crew for a Mars mission, may be the advisability of their avoiding space walks during menstruation, because of the greater risk at that time of decompression sickness. The optimal time would be during the follicular stage.