Anemia in Astronauts Could Be a Challenge for Space Missions

Anemia in Astronauts Could Be a Challenge for Space Missions
David Saint-Jacques collects breath, ambient air, and blood samples aboard the International Space Station in an undated photo obtained by Reuters on Jan. 14, 2022. NASA Anne McClain/Handout via Reuters
|Updated:

The next “giant leap” for humans may be a trip to Mars, but having enough oxygen-carrying red blood cells for the journey might present a challenge, new research suggests.

Even space tourists lining up for short trips might have to stay home if they are at risk for anemia, or red blood cell deficiency, researchers said.