In order to investigate the living conditions on Mars, the mission of Spanish scientists discovered an unusual way to get food in space. Simulation of living conditions On the “Red Planet”Hypatia 2 found the promising capabilities of menstrual blood as fertilizers to get food from green buds.
Hypatia 2 was the first simulation task in which astronauts used menstrual glasses, an initiative aimed at normalizing the idea that women can travel to space without interrupting the menstrual cycle, and that, away from being a burden due to waste production, waste does not generate and can bring benefits to food production.
The crew was isolated for two weeks in February, with water and food restrictions, in MDRS, in the United States. During this period, astronauts conducted several experiments and the results of the investigations were published on Monday, May 7.
According to the geologist Marina Martinez, who participated in the study, the blood of two crew was used as natural fertilizers for plants. The project won the cooperation of researchers at St. Para Hospital in Barcelona.
Martinez says: “It is surreal, but so far there has been no scientific study pending that menstrual blood is actually an effective natural fertilizer,” says Martinez.
According to the preliminary results of the experiments conducted in the previously growing vegetative bed at the station, enriched flower beds with a monthly blood solution mixed with water were produced more roots and managed it faster than non -certified.
Martínez highlights how important you have green buds as food in space tasks, as astronauts feed exclusively on dried foods.
Effects on the female body
Jennifer Garcia Karizo, who also joined the crew, said that the male opinion of science has historically led astronauts to suspend menstruation in hormonal ways to avoid wasting non -operating internal and external hygiene products.
In a mission in which the astronaut Sally participated, for example, NASA (almost) was sent to the Cem Tampões – astronomical number for such a short period.
There was another area of the mission’s investigation – which also studied the use of photovoltaic energy, among other topics – is an analysis of whether there is a bias between the sexes on the influence of the woman’s body in these circumstances of Mars simulation.
To this end, crew members conducted anthropometer tests before and after their stay in Utah, with the aim of assessing the effects of the task, which included restrictions on mobility and food – especially proteins – to form the body. One of the initial conclusions is that it maintained weight and strength, but they lost muscle mass.
The scientists said that these and other investigations will continue to develop on a third mission of Hypatia, planned for 2027.
