Space sexology, which is defined as “the scientific study of extra-terrestrial intimacy and sexuality” (Dubé et al., 2023), affects every space mission. Sex is an inherent part of being human and must be dealt with carefully to avoid conflicts among crew members. The space industry continues to grow, so this issue must be dealt with now. To some extent, sex and intimacy are inevitable in space, especially if our aim is to continue humanity elsewhere. Cast your mind to the realms of science fiction: if we are to create a happy spacefaring society, we must protect the reproductive health of astronauts and, eventually, protect those who are born outside Earth’s atmosphere. Furthermore, without research, the risk of sexual violence experienced terrestrially can permeate space too. Given that minority groups are disproportionally affected by sexual violence, it is further important to minimise the risks to create an inclusive space environment.
Why, then, does NASA insist that “we don’t study sexuality in space, and we don’t have any studies ongoing with that. If that’s your specific topic, there’s nothing to discuss.”
Why, then, does NASA insist that “we don’t study sexuality in space, and we don’t have any studies ongoing with that. If that’s your specific topic, there’s nothing to discuss.” (Bryner, 2008)? There are several factors that prevent research into the topic. Due to high hygiene levels, a limited number of crew members, and a lack of research in space environments such as the ISS, sexual relationships are not currently feasible. Thus, this issue's progression may require developing new technological systems – perhaps to facilitate conception in low-gravity environments. Furthermore, space agencies' decisions intersect with their financers' sociocultural norms. The traditionally conservative sexual views of the population make space organisations avoid funding anything related to sex.
There are, of course, risks with extra-terrestrial eroticism. Problems facing sexual interactions include privacy and the physical effects of low gravity on reproductive organs. It is also known that microgravity can lead to deconditioning, which is the reduction of bone density and muscle atrophy, as well as affecting liquids such as blood flow and semen (which could influence erections, procreation, and gestation). Furthermore, exposure to radiation may affect conception, pregnancy and child development, since ionising particles can alter the DNA of cells and gametes, promoting cancer, congenital malformations, developmental anomalies, and miscarriages (Williams & Fletcher, 2010). Further, adapting to space life can be stressful and disrupt nutrition intake, circadian rhythms, and microbiomes, and typical embryo development requires a standard gravity of 1-g (Wakayama et al., 2009).
However, not everything about sexual relationships beyond Earth is negative. If intimacy is facilitated, astronauts' quality of life could be improved. Sex is proven to help with stress, blood pressure, sleep, pain, headaches, the immune system, pelvic floor muscles, protection from prostate cancer, self-esteem, body image, and relationship satisfaction (Pennanen-Iire et al., 2021). A reasonable solution could be masturbation, which is more accessible for the above benefits with fewer risks. Fundamentally, humane, meaningful extra-terrestrial lives include sex
Dubé et al., 2023 - https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639
Williams and Fletcher, 2010 - https://www.aafp.org/dam/brand/aafp/pubs/afp/issues/2010/0901/p488.pdf
Wakayama et al. 2009 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0006753
Pennanen-Iire et al., 2021 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.10.004