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== History == == History ==
Spokespeople and administrators for space organizations, such as NASA, have historically gone on record expressing that they do not study sexuality in space.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=published |first=Jeanna Bryner |date=2008-07-07 |title=For Better or Worse, Sex in Space Is Inevitable |url=https://www.space.com/5594-worse-sex-space-inevitable.html |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitesides |first=Loretta Hidalgo |title=Sex in Space, Why NASA Isn't Talking |language=en-US |work=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/07/sex-in-space-wh/ |access-date=2022-05-23 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> In fact, Bill Jeffs, the spokesperson for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, has stated that: “We don’t study sexuality in space, and we don’t have any studies ongoing with that. If that’s specific topic, there’s nothing to discuss”.<ref name=":9" /> Some researchers and scientists have argued that decisions made by space organizations are often heavily influenced by the sociocultural norms of their benefactors.<ref name="dube" /><ref name=":2" /> As such, sexually conservative ideologies may hinder furthering the study of space sexology. However, scientists and researchers have called for studies in this area for decades.<ref name="dube" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" /> Spokespeople and administrators for space organizations, such as NASA, have historically gone on record expressing that they do not study sexuality in space.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=published |first=Jeanna Bryner |date=2008-07-07 |title=For Better or Worse, Sex in Space Is Inevitable |url=https://www.space.com/5594-worse-sex-space-inevitable.html |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=Space.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitesides |first=Loretta Hidalgo |title=Sex in Space, Why NASA Isn't Talking |language=en-US |work=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/07/sex-in-space-wh/ |access-date=2022-05-23 |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> In fact, Bill Jeffs, the spokesperson for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, has stated that: “We don’t study sexuality in space, and we don’t have any studies ongoing with that. If that’s specific topic, there’s nothing to discuss”.<ref name=":9" /> Some researchers and scientists have argued that decisions made by space organizations are often heavily influenced by the sociocultural norms of their benefactors.<ref name="dube" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":14" /> As such, it is argued that sexually conservative ideologies may hinder furthering the study of space sexology.<ref name="dube" /> However, scientists and researchers have called for studies in this area for decades.<ref name="dube" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":8" />


In 1989, Roy Levin wrote the first paper exploring the potential effects of space travel on human sexuality and the human reproductive system, and called attention to the lack of research in this area.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=Levin |first=R. J. |date=August 1989 |title=Effects of space travel on sexuality and the human reproductive system |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11540233/ |journal=Journal of the British Interplanetary Society |volume=42 |issue=7 |pages=378–382 |issn=0007-084X |pmid=11540233}}</ref> In 1989, Roy Levin wrote the first paper exploring the potential effects of space travel on human sexuality and the human reproductive system, and called attention to the lack of research in this area.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=Levin |first=R. J. |date=August 1989 |title=Effects of space travel on sexuality and the human reproductive system |url=https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11540233/ |journal=Journal of the British Interplanetary Society |volume=42 |issue=7 |pages=378–382 |issn=0007-084X |pmid=11540233}}</ref>
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In her 2016 book titled “Sex in Space”, Laura Woodmansee explored questions relating to interstellar intercourse, from sexual mechanics, to conception, pregnancy, and birth in low gravity situations.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Woodmansee |first=Laura |title=Sex in space |publisher=Collector’s Guide Publishing, Inc. |year=2006}}</ref> She further emphasized the need for extraterrestrial sex research.<ref name=":1" /> That same year,  Alexander Layendecker shed light on the absence of human sex research conducted by the NASA.<ref name=":5" /> He further advocated for the development of an Astrosexological Research Institute.<ref name=":5" /> Layendecker raised important questions regarding the possible effects of space conditions (e.g., exposure, radiation, microgravity etc.) on phenomena such as conception, pregnancy, and child development.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Layendecker |first=A, B. |date=2016 |title=Sex in outer space and the advent of astrosexology: A philosophical inquiry into the implications of human sexuality and reproductive development factors in seeding humanity’s future throughout the cosmos and the argument for an Astrosexological Research Institute |journal=The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.}}</ref> In her 2016 book titled “Sex in Space”, Laura Woodmansee explored questions relating to interstellar intercourse, from sexual mechanics, to conception, pregnancy, and birth in low gravity situations.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Woodmansee |first=Laura |title=Sex in space |publisher=Collector’s Guide Publishing, Inc. |year=2006}}</ref> She further emphasized the need for extraterrestrial sex research.<ref name=":1" /> That same year,  Alexander Layendecker shed light on the absence of human sex research conducted by the NASA.<ref name=":5" /> He further advocated for the development of an Astrosexological Research Institute.<ref name=":5" /> Layendecker raised important questions regarding the possible effects of space conditions (e.g., exposure, radiation, microgravity etc.) on phenomena such as conception, pregnancy, and child development.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Layendecker |first=A, B. |date=2016 |title=Sex in outer space and the advent of astrosexology: A philosophical inquiry into the implications of human sexuality and reproductive development factors in seeding humanity’s future throughout the cosmos and the argument for an Astrosexological Research Institute |journal=The Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality.}}</ref>


In 2018, Alexander Layendecker and Shawna Pandya co-wrote “Logistics of Reproduction in Space”.<ref name=":2" /> In it, they present the body of research that has been produced on topics of human sexuality, reproduction and development in space.<ref name=":2" /> They also explored some of the logistical challenges associated with those. However, they concluded that the current literature on such topics remains scarce, and that there is not enough data to assert whether conception, gestation, and development can safely (or successfully) occur in space.<ref name=":2">{{Citation |last=Layendecker |first=Alexander B. |title=Logistics of Reproduction in Space |date=2018 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09575-2_211-1 |work=Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats |pages=1–16 |editor-last=Seedhouse |editor-first=Erik |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-09575-2_211-1 |isbn=978-3-319-09575-2 |access-date=2022-05-21 |last2=Pandya |first2=Shawna |editor2-last=Shayler |editor2-first=David J}}</ref> In 2018, Alexander Layendecker and Shawna Pandya co-wrote “Logistics of Reproduction in Space”.<ref name=":2" /> In it, they present the body of research that has been produced on topics of human sexuality, reproduction and development in space.<ref name=":2" /> They also explored some of the logistical challenges associated with those.<ref name=":2" /> However, they concluded that the current literature on such topics remains scarce, and that there is not enough data to assert whether conception, gestation, and development can safely (or successfully) occur in space.<ref name=":2">{{Citation |last=Layendecker |first=Alexander B. |title=Logistics of Reproduction in Space |date=2018 |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-09575-2_211-1 |work=Handbook of Life Support Systems for Spacecraft and Extraterrestrial Habitats |pages=1–16 |editor-last=Seedhouse |editor-first=Erik |place=Cham |publisher=Springer International Publishing |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-319-09575-2_211-1 |isbn=978-3-319-09575-2 |access-date=2022-05-21 |last2=Pandya |first2=Shawna |editor2-last=Shayler |editor2-first=David J}}</ref>


Most recently, in 2021, Dubé and colleagues highlighted the importance of considering space sexology as a scientific field and research program. <ref name="dube" /> Noting a significant lack of research related to space intimacy and sexuality, “The Case for Space Sexology” explores the risks and benefits of studying these basic human needs in an extraterrestrial context.<ref name="dube">{{Cite journal |last=Dubé |first=S. |last2=Santaguida |first2=M. |last3=Anctil |first3=D. |last4=Giaccari |first4=L. |last5=Lapierre |first5=J. |date=2021-12-08 |title=The Case for Space Sexology |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639 |journal=The Journal of Sex Research |language=en |pages=1–12 |doi=10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639 |issn=0022-4499}}</ref> They posit that the use of a biopsychosocial framework could expedite and improve research among space organizations while contributing to the health and well-being of future space inhabitants.<ref name="dube" /> Since the publication,  the authors have commented on the growth of support among the research community and space sector for the advancement of space sexology.<ref name=":0" /> For example, Maria Santaguida, co-author of the article, stated in an interview with Mic that: “More and more researchers around the globe and people working in the space sector recognize that addressing human intimate and sexual needs in space is one of the keys to unlocking our long-term expansion into the universe”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Inside the push to study sex in space |url=https://www.mic.com/life/sex-in-space-research-space-sexology |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Mic |language=en}}</ref> Most recently, in 2021, Dubé and colleagues highlighted the importance of considering space sexology as a scientific field and research program. <ref name="dube" /> Noting a significant lack of research related to space intimacy and sexuality, “The Case for Space Sexology” explores the risks and benefits of studying these basic human needs in an extraterrestrial context.<ref name="dube">{{Cite journal |last=Dubé |first=S. |last2=Santaguida |first2=M. |last3=Anctil |first3=D. |last4=Giaccari |first4=L. |last5=Lapierre |first5=J. |date=2021-12-08 |title=The Case for Space Sexology |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639 |journal=The Journal of Sex Research |language=en |pages=1–12 |doi=10.1080/00224499.2021.2012639 |issn=0022-4499}}</ref> They posit that the use of a biopsychosocial framework could expedite and improve research among space organizations while contributing to the health and well-being of future space inhabitants.<ref name="dube" /> Since the publication,  the authors have commented on the growth of support among the research community and space sector for the advancement of space sexology.<ref name=":0" /> For example, Maria Santaguida, co-author of the article, stated in an interview with Mic that: “More and more researchers around the globe and people working in the space sector recognize that addressing human intimate and sexual needs in space is one of the keys to unlocking our long-term expansion into the universe”.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Inside the push to study sex in space |url=https://www.mic.com/life/sex-in-space-research-space-sexology |access-date=2022-05-21 |website=Mic |language=en}}</ref>
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== Anticipated Risks and Benefits of Sexuality in Space == == Anticipated Risks and Benefits of Sexuality in Space ==
Dubé et al. (2021) proposed that space organizations should embrace the discipline of space sexology to enhance the benefits and mitigate the risks of human sexuality and intimacy in space. <ref name="dube" /> There have been a number of anticipated risks pertaining to intimacy and sexuality in space, as identified by Dubé et al. (2021) in “The Case for Space Sexology<nowiki>''</nowiki>. Some of those risks are associated with the physical and chemical properties of space environments, such as the effects of ionizing radiation and gravitational changes on fertility, conception, pregnancy and fetal/child development.<ref name="dube" /> Other risks are related to the intimacy and needs of space-travelers, such as the limited privacy on spacecrafts, hygienic concerns, long-term isolation and mental health repercussions arising from lack of sexual fulfilment <ref name="dube" />. Additional risks concerning potential sexual violence and harassment also exist and have already occurred in space simulation contexts. <ref name=":11">{{Cite journal |last=Lapierre |first=J |date=2007 |title=Operational, human factors and health research and issues for Mars 500 based on challenges of the Russian SFINCSS study in 1999: SFINCSS-99-00 Final Report, Simulation of flight of international crew on space station confinement study |journal=European Space and Technology Research Center.}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last=Lapierre |first=Judith |last2=Bouchard |first2=Stéphane |last3=Martin |first3=Thibault |last4=Perreault |first4=Michel |date=2009-06-01 |title=Transcultural group performance in extreme environment: Issues, concepts and emerging theory |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094576509000216 |journal=Acta Astronautica |language=en |volume=64 |issue=11 |pages=1304–1313 |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2009.01.002 |issn=0094-5765}}</ref>. For example, Dr. Judith Lapierre, coauthor of the article, experienced sexual harassment on a 110-day experiment on a Mir Space Station replica.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":11" /> Less than a month into the experiment, Dr. Lapierre was non-consensually grabbed and kissed by a Russian crew member who oversaw the mission. She was also subjected to other forms of sexist behaviors by her male colleagues.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sexism In Space |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/539498/sexism-in-space |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.vice.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=Aspiring astronaut speaks out: harassment |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/aspiring-astronaut-speaks-out-harassment-1.239718 |website=CBC news}}</ref><ref name="dube" /> In discussing these events, Dr. Lapierre stated: “It is time, more than ever, to meet the real challenges of space exploration, with honesty, transparency, and by recognizing that Earth’s unacceptable behaviors are also Space’s unacceptable behaviors for a spacefaring civilization”.<ref name=":11" /> Dubé et al. (2021) proposed that space organizations should embrace the discipline of space sexology to enhance the benefits and mitigate the risks of human sexuality and intimacy in space.<ref name="dube" /> There have been a number of anticipated risks pertaining to intimacy and sexuality in space, as identified by Dubé et al. (2021) in “The Case for Space Sexology<nowiki>''</nowiki>. Some of those risks are associated with the physical and chemical properties of space environments, such as the effects of ionizing radiation and gravitational changes on fertility, conception, pregnancy and fetal/child development.<ref name="dube" /> Other risks are related to the intimacy and needs of space-travelers, such as the limited privacy on spacecrafts, hygienic concerns, long-term isolation and mental health repercussions arising from lack of sexual fulfilment <ref name="dube" />. Additional risks concerning potential sexual violence and harassment also exist and have already occurred in space simulation contexts. <ref name=":11">{{Cite journal |last=Lapierre |first=J |date=2007 |title=Operational, human factors and health research and issues for Mars 500 based on challenges of the Russian SFINCSS study in 1999: SFINCSS-99-00 Final Report, Simulation of flight of international crew on space station confinement study |journal=European Space and Technology Research Center.}}</ref><ref name=":12">{{Cite journal |last=Lapierre |first=Judith |last2=Bouchard |first2=Stéphane |last3=Martin |first3=Thibault |last4=Perreault |first4=Michel |date=2009-06-01 |title=Transcultural group performance in extreme environment: Issues, concepts and emerging theory |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094576509000216 |journal=Acta Astronautica |language=en |volume=64 |issue=11 |pages=1304–1313 |doi=10.1016/j.actaastro.2009.01.002 |issn=0094-5765}}</ref>. For example, Dr. Judith Lapierre, coauthor of the article, experienced sexual harassment on a 110-day experiment on a Mir Space Station replica.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":11" /> Less than a month into the experiment, Dr. Lapierre was non-consensually grabbed and kissed by a Russian crew member who oversaw the mission.<ref name=":15" /> She was also subjected to other forms of sexist behaviors by her male colleagues.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |title=Sexism In Space |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/539498/sexism-in-space |access-date=2022-05-23 |website=www.vice.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=Aspiring astronaut speaks out: harassment |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/aspiring-astronaut-speaks-out-harassment-1.239718 |website=CBC news}}</ref><ref name="dube" /> In discussing these events, Dr. Lapierre stated: “It is time, more than ever, to meet the real challenges of space exploration, with honesty, transparency, and by recognizing that Earth’s unacceptable behaviors are also Space’s unacceptable behaviors for a spacefaring civilization”.<ref name=":11" />


⚫ In their paper, Dubé and colleagues identified some of the benefits that could accompany studying sex in space.<ref name="dube" /> Such benefits directly impact the health and well-being of astronauts, an idea supported by an extensive body of research conducted on the positive benefits of sex on both physiological and psychological aspects of human functioning.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |last=Coleman |first=Eli |date=2003-01-23 |title=Masturbation as a Means of Achieving Sexual Health |url=https://doi.org/10.1300/J056v14n02_02 |journal=Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality |volume=14 |issue=2-3 |pages=5–16 |doi=10.1300/J056v14n02_02 |issn=0890-7064}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brecher |first=Jeremy |date=1977 |title=Sex, Stress, and Health |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2190/NBK8-VL8W-ADHV-JKTC |journal=International Journal of Health Services |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=89–101 |doi=10.2190/NBK8-VL8W-ADHV-JKTC |issn=0020-7314}}</ref> Physiologically, sex can have a positive impact on stress levels, blood pressure, sleep, immune functioning and cardiovascular health.<ref name="dube" /> Psychologically, sex is important in maintaining a positive self-esteem and body image, and masturbation (a practical and accessible practice) has been shown to be  particularly healthy and important in relieving sexual tension and stress.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brody |first=Stuart |date=2010-04-01 |title=The Relative Health Benefits of Different Sexual Activities |url=https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)32977-5/abstract |journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine |language=English |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=1336–1361 |doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01677.x |issn=1743-6095 |pmid=20088868}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gagnon |first=John H. |date=2005 |title=Solitary Sex: A Cultural History of Masturbation |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10508-005-4354-8 |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |language=en |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=471–473 |doi=10.1007/s10508-005-4354-8 |issn=0004-0002}}</ref>

⚫ In their paper, Dubé and colleagues identified some of the benefits that could accompany studying sex in space.<ref name="dube" /> Such benefits directly impact the health and well-being of astronauts, an idea supported by an extensive body of research conducted on the positive benefits of sex on both physiological and psychological aspects of human functioning.<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal |last=Coleman |first=Eli |date=2003-01-23 |title=Masturbation as a Means of Achieving Sexual Health |url=https://doi.org/10.1300/J056v14n02_02 |journal=Journal of Psychology & Human Sexuality |volume=14 |issue=2-3 |pages=5–16 |doi=10.1300/J056v14n02_02 |issn=0890-7064}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brecher |first=Jeremy |date=1977 |title=Sex, Stress, and Health |url=http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.2190/NBK8-VL8W-ADHV-JKTC |journal=International Journal of Health Services |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=89–101 |doi=10.2190/NBK8-VL8W-ADHV-JKTC |issn=0020-7314}}</ref> Physiologically, sex can have a positive impact on stress levels, blood pressure, sleep, immune functioning and cardiovascular health . Psychologically, sex is important in maintaining a positive self-esteem and body image, and masturbation (a practical and accessible practice) has been shown to be  particularly healthy and important in relieving sexual tension and stress.<ref name=":13" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Brody |first=Stuart |date=2010-04-01 |title=The Relative Health Benefits of Different Sexual Activities |url=https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)32977-5/abstract |journal=The Journal of Sexual Medicine |language=English |volume=7 |issue=4 |pages=1336–1361 |doi=10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01677.x |issn=1743-6095 |pmid=20088868}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Gagnon |first=John H. |date=2005 |title=Solitary Sex: A Cultural History of Masturbation |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10508-005-4354-8 |journal=Archives of Sexual Behavior |language=en |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=471–473 |doi=10.1007/s10508-005-4354-8 |issn=0004-0002}}</ref>


== Potential Solutions to the Challenges of Space Sexology == == Potential Solutions to the Challenges of Space Sexology ==
Despite intimacy and sexuality becoming increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right, space organizations have historically evaded sex-related research.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roach |first=Mary |title=Packing for Mars |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=2010 |pages=236}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> These organizations tend to avoid controversies that could result in reduced funding. <ref name="dube" /><ref name=":2" /> Dubé et al. (2021) proposed  that space organizations should be reminded of the risks of limiting sex and intimacy in space while highlighting the potential benefits of enabling them as a possible solution.<ref name="dube" /> They argue that organizations are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of their astronauts and as such, intimate and sexual needs ought not be overlooked. <ref name="dube" /> To better meet the needs of their space travellers, they state that space organizations may want to adopt a progressive, sex-positive agenda that values sexual rights. Emphasizing the importance of intimacy and sex in space could in turn help investors and the public view this discipline as valuable and necessary.<ref name="dube" /> Despite intimacy and sexuality becoming increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right, space organizations have historically evaded sex-related research.<ref name=":14">{{Cite book |last=Roach |first=Mary |title=Packing for Mars |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |year=2010 |pages=236}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> These organizations tend to avoid controversies that could result in reduced funding. <ref name="dube" /><ref name=":2" /> Dubé et al. (2021) proposed  that space organizations should be reminded of the risks of limiting sex and intimacy in space while highlighting the potential benefits of enabling them as a possible solution.<ref name="dube" /> They argue that organizations are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of their astronauts and as such, intimate and sexual needs ought not be overlooked. <ref name="dube" /> To better meet the needs of their space travellers, they state that space organizations may want to adopt a progressive, sex-positive agenda that values sexual rights.<ref name="dube" /> Emphasizing the importance of intimacy and sex in space could in turn help investors and the public view this discipline as valuable and necessary.<ref name="dube" />


Additionally, Dubé and colleagues (2021) proposed that technological systems and guidelines enabling intimacy and sexuality in the limiting artificial ecosystems of space will need to be created.<ref name="dube" /> They describe that these systems and guidelines will likely need to be designed to be both safe and hygienic, similar to the already established systems in place for other basic needs such as eating and grooming. <ref name="dube" /> They also suggest that this challenge can be addressed by space organizations considering the use of sexual technology adapted for space to meet the intimate needs of their astronauts.<ref name="dube" /> Such technology could include erotic stimuli, sex toys, and artificial erotic agents (e.g., virtual partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots).<ref name="dube" /> Additionally, Dubé and colleagues (2021) proposed that technological systems and guidelines enabling intimacy and sexuality in the limiting artificial ecosystems of space will need to be created.<ref name="dube" /> They describe that these systems and guidelines will likely need to be designed to be both safe and hygienic, similar to the already established systems in place for other basic needs such as eating and grooming. <ref name="dube" /> They also suggest that this challenge can be addressed by space organizations considering the use of sexual technology adapted for space to meet the intimate needs of their astronauts.<ref name="dube" /> Such technology could include erotic stimuli, sex toys, and artificial erotic agents (e.g., virtual partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots).<ref name="dube" />

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Space sexology has been defined as the “comprehensive scientific study of extraterrestrial intimacy and sexuality”. It aims to holistically understand intimacy and sexuality in space, including its risks, and potential benefits for the health and well-being of those who travel beyond our home planet.

File:Dr. Judith Lapierre.jpg
Dr. Judith Lapierre before the start of the 110-day experiment on a Mir Station Replica. Dr. Lapierre was subjected to sexual harassment by her colleagues during the study.

History

Spokespeople and administrators for space organizations, such as NASA, have historically gone on record expressing that they do not study sexuality in space. In fact, Bill Jeffs, the spokesperson for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, has stated that: “We don’t study sexuality in space, and we don’t have any studies ongoing with that. If that’s specific topic, there’s nothing to discuss”. Some researchers and scientists have argued that decisions made by space organizations are often heavily influenced by the sociocultural norms of their benefactors. As such, it is argued that sexually conservative ideologies may hinder furthering the study of space sexology. However, scientists and researchers have called for studies in this area for decades.

In 1989, Roy Levin wrote the first paper exploring the potential effects of space travel on human sexuality and the human reproductive system, and called attention to the lack of research in this area.

In 1998,  Ray Noonan wrote the first philosophical inquiry on human intimacy and sexuality for extended spaceflights  In his doctoral thesis, Noonan discussed possible sexological challenges faced by astronauts on long-duration missions and related implications for mission success. Expanding on his own work, Noonan proposed in 2001 that space agencies should collaborate with scientific communities to form programs to study sex in space.

In 2005, Shimizu and colleagues echoed this belief, arguing that human sexuality research was crucial in order to successfully envision a future in space.

In her 2016 book titled “Sex in Space”, Laura Woodmansee explored questions relating to interstellar intercourse, from sexual mechanics, to conception, pregnancy, and birth in low gravity situations. She further emphasized the need for extraterrestrial sex research. That same year,  Alexander Layendecker shed light on the absence of human sex research conducted by the NASA. He further advocated for the development of an Astrosexological Research Institute. Layendecker raised important questions regarding the possible effects of space conditions (e.g., exposure, radiation, microgravity etc.) on phenomena such as conception, pregnancy, and child development.

In 2018, Alexander Layendecker and Shawna Pandya co-wrote “Logistics of Reproduction in Space”. In it, they present the body of research that has been produced on topics of human sexuality, reproduction and development in space. They also explored some of the logistical challenges associated with those. However, they concluded that the current literature on such topics remains scarce, and that there is not enough data to assert whether conception, gestation, and development can safely (or successfully) occur in space.

Most recently, in 2021, Dubé and colleagues highlighted the importance of considering space sexology as a scientific field and research program. Noting a significant lack of research related to space intimacy and sexuality, “The Case for Space Sexology” explores the risks and benefits of studying these basic human needs in an extraterrestrial context. They posit that the use of a biopsychosocial framework could expedite and improve research among space organizations while contributing to the health and well-being of future space inhabitants. Since the publication,  the authors have commented on the growth of support among the research community and space sector for the advancement of space sexology. For example, Maria Santaguida, co-author of the article, stated in an interview with Mic that: “More and more researchers around the globe and people working in the space sector recognize that addressing human intimate and sexual needs in space is one of the keys to unlocking our long-term expansion into the universe”.

Moreover, it has been argued that NASA’s rigid stance on sexuality in space may be softening. When asked to comment on Dubé and colleagues’ “The Case for Space Sexology” by MIC Journal, a NASA representative stated that “Should a future need for more in-depth study on reproductive health in space be identified, NASA would take the appropriate steps.” In contrast with NASA’s historically blunt rejections of proposals regarding sex and space, this response has been interpreted as a signal of change – one which may open the door for future exploration of human sexuality in space .

Anticipated Risks and Benefits of Sexuality in Space

Dubé et al. (2021) proposed that space organizations should embrace the discipline of space sexology to enhance the benefits and mitigate the risks of human sexuality and intimacy in space. There have been a number of anticipated risks pertaining to intimacy and sexuality in space, as identified by Dubé et al. (2021) in “The Case for Space Sexology''. Some of those risks are associated with the physical and chemical properties of space environments, such as the effects of ionizing radiation and gravitational changes on fertility, conception, pregnancy and fetal/child development. Other risks are related to the intimacy and needs of space-travelers, such as the limited privacy on spacecrafts, hygienic concerns, long-term isolation and mental health repercussions arising from lack of sexual fulfilment . Additional risks concerning potential sexual violence and harassment also exist and have already occurred in space simulation contexts. . For example, Dr. Judith Lapierre, coauthor of the article, experienced sexual harassment on a 110-day experiment on a Mir Space Station replica. Less than a month into the experiment, Dr. Lapierre was non-consensually grabbed and kissed by a Russian crew member who oversaw the mission. She was also subjected to other forms of sexist behaviors by her male colleagues. In discussing these events, Dr. Lapierre stated: “It is time, more than ever, to meet the real challenges of space exploration, with honesty, transparency, and by recognizing that Earth’s unacceptable behaviors are also Space’s unacceptable behaviors for a spacefaring civilization”.

In their paper, Dubé and colleagues identified some of the benefits that could accompany studying sex in space. Such benefits directly impact the health and well-being of astronauts, an idea supported by an extensive body of research conducted on the positive benefits of sex on both physiological and psychological aspects of human functioning. Physiologically, sex can have a positive impact on stress levels, blood pressure, sleep, immune functioning and cardiovascular health. Psychologically, sex is important in maintaining a positive self-esteem and body image, and masturbation (a practical and accessible practice) has been shown to be  particularly healthy and important in relieving sexual tension and stress.

Potential Solutions to the Challenges of Space Sexology

Despite intimacy and sexuality becoming increasingly recognized as a fundamental human right, space organizations have historically evaded sex-related research. These organizations tend to avoid controversies that could result in reduced funding. Dubé et al. (2021) proposed  that space organizations should be reminded of the risks of limiting sex and intimacy in space while highlighting the potential benefits of enabling them as a possible solution. They argue that organizations are ultimately responsible for the health and well-being of their astronauts and as such, intimate and sexual needs ought not be overlooked. To better meet the needs of their space travellers, they state that space organizations may want to adopt a progressive, sex-positive agenda that values sexual rights. Emphasizing the importance of intimacy and sex in space could in turn help investors and the public view this discipline as valuable and necessary.

Additionally, Dubé and colleagues (2021) proposed that technological systems and guidelines enabling intimacy and sexuality in the limiting artificial ecosystems of space will need to be created. They describe that these systems and guidelines will likely need to be designed to be both safe and hygienic, similar to the already established systems in place for other basic needs such as eating and grooming. They also suggest that this challenge can be addressed by space organizations considering the use of sexual technology adapted for space to meet the intimate needs of their astronauts. Such technology could include erotic stimuli, sex toys, and artificial erotic agents (e.g., virtual partners, erotic chatbots, and sex robots).

Lastly, Dubé and colleagues (2021) suggest that successfully researching space sexology will likely require cooperation and contributions from both space organizations and their astronauts. This may prove challenging, as conflicting sexual views between administrators and astronauts alike could complicate group cohesion. To facilitate an inclusive understanding of the value of extraterrestrial sex and intimacy, space organizations may want to invest in training programs that encapsulate the complexity of human intimacy and sexuality. Such programs could aim to foster sex-positive ethics among space organizations and their respective personnel.

External Links

See Also

Sex in space

Space tourism

Space medicine

Space colonization

Space advocacy

Effect of spaceflight on the human body

References

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