Editorial: Exploring Frontiers: Astroparticle, Space Science and Public Health for Future Crewed Space Missions

Alessandro Bartoloni^1*Gianluca Cavoto²Cristina Consolandi³Nan Ding⁴Christopher D Porada⁵FR Tang⁶Lidia Strigari⁷

• ¹National Institute of Nuclear Physics of Rome, Rome, Italy
• ²Universita degli Studi di Roma La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
• ³University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Honolulu, United States
• ⁴Institute of Modern Physics Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
• ⁵Wake Forest University, WinstonSalem, United States
• ⁶National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
• ⁷IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Bologna, Italy

Astronauts are exposed to complex and variable particle radiation in space, while microgravityinduced deconditioning, altered immune responses, and psychological stressors challenge human adaptability. This collection of ten peer-reviewed articles reflects the growing synergy between space science, astroparticle physics, and public health in confronting these challenges with innovative methodologies and translational insights.Radiation remains one of the most significant health threats in space. Several articles in this collection tackle its acute and chronic effects from biological and engineering perspectives. One study investigates how the gut microbiome could be a predictive biomarker for radiation-induced intestinal injury. It identifies Erysipelatoclostridium and its metabolite ptilosteroid A as potential indicators of intestinal damage. Another contribution explores the late effects of heavy-ion radiation on immune cell function, specifically splenocyte subpopulations and NK cell cytotoxicity, providing insight into the long-term immunological risks astronauts may face.In a translational leap, researchers also assessed the protective effects of curcumin-loaded nanolipoprotein particles (cNLPs) against acute gastrointestinal injury induced by Mars missionequivalent radiation doses. This study offers a potential countermeasure and highlights nanotechnology's importance in space radiation medicine. On a molecular level, an experimental analysis of the effects of 5-Ion (simplified GCR simulator) beam irradiation, both with and without hindlimb unloading, examines behavioral and metabolic shifts in a rodent model, reinforcing how mechanical unloading can compound radiation's systemic effects.Countermeasures are essential to mitigate the detrimental effects of prolonged microgravity. One article in this collection presents compelling data showing that exercise with artificial gravity, as well as exercise alone, can prevent organ and blood vessel morphological changes during simulated microgravity (55 days of head-down tilt bedrest). These findings underscore the role of integrated exercise protocols in safeguarding astronaut health during long missions.Microgravity also has far-reaching effects on hormonal systems. A narrative review on this topic discusses how microgravity impairs endocrine signaling and reproductive health in women, emphasizing the need for sex-specific research and countermeasure development to ensure the health of all crew members on future missions.With renewed interest in lunar exploration, the environmental hazards of the Moon's surface are receiving renewed attention. One study in this collection characterizes pulmonary and systemic immune alterations in rats exposed to airborne lunar dust, while another assesses the immunogenicity and allergenicity of lunar dust particles. These findings raise crucial safety considerations for astronauts engaging in extravehicular activities and long-term lunar habitation.Understanding the radiation environment is foundational for mission planning. A key contribution in this area is a study that uses Bonner sphere spectrometry to measure high-energy neutron spectra from 1 GeV/u 56Fe ion beams and compares results with Monte Carlo simulations. This work provides critical validation data for radiation transport models and shielding design.Beyond the physiological aspects, the psychological dimensions of space travel demand equal attention. A novel article in this collection advocates for an evolutionary medicine approach to mental health, arguing that the stressors of long-duration missions may evoke mismatches between our evolved biology and the artificial conditions of space. By addressing these mismatches, this work opens new avenues for mitigating psychological risks in space environments.Addressing the complexities of human spaceflight demands a deeply interdisciplinary research approach. The unique and multifaceted challenges presented by space environments-such as radiation, microgravity, confinement, and isolation-cannot be fully understood or mitigated within the boundaries of a single discipline. A systems-level perspective is essential, one that integrates knowledge from physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, engineering, and behavioral sciences.For instance, understanding the effects of cosmic radiation involves astroparticle physics and radiation biology, as well as toxicology, microbiome research, and materials science for shielding solutions. Similarly, counteracting microgravity-induced deconditioning requires insights from physiology, biomechanics, exercise science, and even aerospace engineering to design effective countermeasures. Moreover, the psychological and social challenges of long-duration missions highlight the need for contributions from neuroscience, psychiatry, and human factors research. We can only anticipate interactions between physiological systems and environmental stressors by fostering active collaboration across these domains, developing robust predictive models, and creating effective interventions. As space missions extend in duration and distance, particularly toward the Moon, Mars, and beyond, the integration of disciplines becomes advantageous and imperative.This collection exemplifies how such integration leads to novel insights and tangible solutions, from nanotherapeutics and exercise protocols to evolutionary perspectives on mental health. Expanding interdisciplinary research activities is crucial for accelerating discovery, translating findings into practice, and safeguarding human health in space. Continued investment in crossdisciplinary platforms and collaborative frameworks will empower the scientific community to overcome existing knowledge gaps and prepare for space exploration's profound physiological and psychological demands. In doing so, we advance space science and catalyze innovations with applications on Earth, reinforcing the mutual benefits of research that transcends traditional boundaries.Together, the articles in this Research Topic exhibit how multidisciplinary collaboration can help address one of the most significant challenges in human exploration. From microbial biomarkers and nanotherapeutics to lunar toxicology and psychological resilience, these studies collectively push the frontiers of knowledge required for the next giant leap. This collection grounds public health within the framework of astroparticle physics and space science, informing the design of safer, more effective crewed missions. It enriches our understanding of human biology under extreme conditions. We hope this Research Topic serves as a springboard for future studies and stimulates continued cross-disciplinary dialogue as we prepare for a multi-planetary future.