According to NASA, no human beings have ever had sex in space. On the other hand, other nations have launched men and women into space, so such a claim is suspect. In any case the increasing interest in private space tourism suggests that human beings will soon be engaging in sexual activity in space if they have not already.
A team of Canadian researchers from Concordia University and Laval University recently published a paper in the Journal of Sex Research in which they claim that there is an urgent need for scientific research into all aspects of sex in space.
The Canadian team is led by Simon Dubé who is a Concordia University PhD candidate in psychology specializing in human sexuality, sextech, and erobotics. They call for space programs to seriously explore “space sexology” which they define as the “the comprehensive scientific study of extraterrestrial intimacy and sexuality.”
Up to the present, space agencies such as NASA have ignored the topic of sex almost completely. They may have been concerned about generating a controversy that could affect their funding. When asked about sex, NASA officials have brushed the subject aside. Astronauts may be prohibited from having sex or developing intimate relationships onboard the International Space Station.
As humanity increasingly embraces the prospects of colonizing low-Earth orbit and beyond through private missions, disregarding research into a basic human drive such as sex is growing less acceptable. Dubé and his co-authors outlined in their report a variety of potential risks related to space sex that should be studied.
To start with, ionizing radiation could interfere with sexual reproduction by altering the DNA of sperm cells, egg cells and even human embryo. However, one recent study suggested that mammal embryos will be able to develop normally in space. Microgravity could make sex both messy and difficult. A space habitat is a place where cleanliness is critical. Space habitats are cramped, remote and not very private. All this makes sexual intimacy difficult. Thinking about the prospects for colonization, small settlements with limited intimate partners will probably breed stress, conflicts and even sexual harassment or assault. The farther people get from Earth and the longer they stay in space, the more probably that sexual relationship-related problems will appear.
The research team makes the case for researching solutions to these potential problems immediately. The report said, “As technology makes extraterrestrial life and travel more accessible to the public, the people who go into space in the future — from scientists to tourists — may not have to undergo the same kind of stringent training or selection process as current astronauts. Producing quality science and implementing systemic changes take time, so why not start immediately, rather than wait for problems to arise?”
Dubé and his co-authors have already laid out a few potential areas for research. The first task is designing systems and spaces that allow for eroticism to be safe, private and hygienic. This effort might also include preliminary planning for the delivery of babies in space and treating any sex-related health issues. The second task is to create training programs that prepare space travelers for intimacy, sexual activity, and any social problems that may arise. The third task is engineering sexual technologies such as toys or robots that permit clean and satisfying sexual experiences.
The researchers say that ultimately, if properly researched and planned for, “intimacy and sexuality — like leisure — could help endure and normalize life in space by making it more enjoyable and less lonely.” On Earth, sexual activity relieves stress, lowers blood pressure and helps with sleep among many other benefits.
Dubé and his colleagues add, “Facilitating intimacy and sexuality in space could improve the life of astronauts and future space inhabitants. Intimate and sexual activities can arguably help people adapt to space contexts and normalize space life.”