Accelerated Aging Phenomenon in Space: A Dampener on the Space Travel Boom? Signs of Stem Cell Aging and the Reality of Commercial Space Travel

A research team centered at UC San Diego conducted an experiment where human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) were kept on the International Space Station (ISS) for 32 to 45 days using an AI-equipped nanobioreactor. When compared to ground controls, the results showed characteristics of accelerated aging, including reduced self-renewal capacity, increased risk of DNA damage, telomere-related aging signs, mitochondrial inflammation, and activation of repetitive sequences. Some of these effects were reversible when the cells were returned to a younger environment, suggesting potential countermeasures. The weakening of hematopoietic and immune functions poses a risk for long-term missions and Mars exploration, highlighting the growing importance of space medicine. On social media, sensational reactions such as "space accelerates aging" and "10 times faster aging" have spread, while experts and scientific media have provided calm explanations focusing on the mechanisms discussed in the paper, such as DNA damage, telomeres, and inflammatory pathways. The research has implications not only for space but also for understanding aging and cancer on Earth.