In 2023, the Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space of the U.S. National Academies published a "Consensus Study Report", opining that the following questions must be answered:
1. If Sperm Development and/or Ovarian Function (and Related Hormonal Factors) in Sexually Mature Mammals Is Altered by the Space Environment, Does This Result in Functional Impacts on Fertility?
2. How Are Conception and Pregnancy (Including Implantation in the Placenta) Initiated in the
Space Environment Affected?
3. How Is Fetal Organ Development, Particularly the Ovaries and Testes, Affected by the Independent or Combined Factors of Microgravity and GCR Exposure?
The authors of this Consensus Report opined that the first question is "of immediate concern to current crew members", and that "[t]here is nearly zero information ... in mammalian systems" on the second question.
How long would we wait until wealthy interpreters launched a compact IVF lab into space? At least from the regulatory point of view, I would think there should be no impediments - I am not convinced that Earth-based regulatory agencies could extend their jurisdiction into space (pun intended). So, from that perspective, all bets are off.
In 2023, the Committee on Biological and Physical Sciences Research in Space of the U.S. National Academies published a "Consensus Study Report", opining that the following questions must be answered:
1. If Sperm Development and/or Ovarian Function (and Related Hormonal Factors) in Sexually Mature Mammals Is Altered by the Space Environment, Does This Result in Functional Impacts on Fertility?
2. How Are Conception and Pregnancy (Including Implantation in the Placenta) Initiated in the
Space Environment Affected?
3. How Is Fetal Organ Development, Particularly the Ovaries and Testes, Affected by the Independent or Combined Factors of Microgravity and GCR Exposure?
The authors of this Consensus Report opined that the first question is "of immediate concern to current crew members", and that "[t]here is nearly zero information ... in mammalian systems" on the second question.
How long would we wait until wealthy interpreters launched a compact IVF lab into space? At least from the regulatory point of view, I would think there should be no impediments - I am not convinced that Earth-based regulatory agencies could extend their jurisdiction into space (pun intended). So, from that perspective, all bets are off.
Igor. Thanks. You read the full document. The summary I read online missed these important details. Good to see them posted here.
Thanks Roger. I’m kind of glad NASA didn’t get back to you :)
I enjoyed this - fun, yet also raises some great issues. The ethical dilemmas will be particularly challenging, let alone the practical, one imagines.
I especially relish the last line. Let’s all hope no others come forward, because go, he must!
The world is in a serious mess but laughing helps to get through the day.