Human development and reproduction in space—a European perspective

Abstract

This review summarises key aspects of the first reproductive and developmental systems Science Community White Paper, supported by the European Space Agency (ESA). Current knowledge regarding human development and reproduction in space is mapped to the roadmap. It acknowledges that sex and gender have implications on all physiological systems, however, gender identity falls outside the scope of the document included in the white paper collection supported by ESA. The ESA SciSpacE white papers on human developmental and reproductive functions in space aim to reflect on the implications of space travel on the male and female reproductive systems, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive hormone axis, and considerations for conception, gestation and birth. Finally, parallels are drawn as to how this may impact society as a whole on Earth.