Not Sex In The City, But Sex In The Space: Is It Possible To Conceive A Baby In Zero Gravity?

It’s been almost a decade since I watched Interstellar and Star Wars, but the idea of what life could be like in space has always fascinated me. While space exploration has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, it has also given rise to some intriguing thoughts. To be very honest, our fascination with space is not something new and it has lingered in the human race for ages. From the mind-blowing question of whether astronauts can have sex in space to the fascinating mystery of what a child born in space might look like, the answers may surprise you! Read to know. 

Sexual Arousal In Space

Before we come to the topic of whether sex in space is possible, let us first consider if the astronauts would even be in the mood for it.  Some speculate that getting in the mood might not be as easy as it is back on the blue planet. Astronauts often struggle with space sickness and not to forget, the lack of basic comfort. Also, that constant feeling of being dirty as there are no showers, just wet wipes and dry shampoo. 

Physicist and Astronomer, John Millis has explained that it is harder for both males and females to get an arousal as their body enters microgravity. This is because the blood rises to the head instead of the genitals. He also revealed that there is a drop in male testosterone levels in the space, which adds to the lack of sex drive.

Is It Possible To Have Sex In Space?

No matter how wild the idea may seem, it has one great obstacle, Newton’s Third Law Of Motion, which states ‘For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction’. So basically, when the Earth pulls an object with its gravitational force, that object pulls back with an equal force. Believe It or not the gravity and our body weight work together to make it possible for us to explore various different positions during the deed. 

However, in space, where there is no gravity to hold you in place, you will keep floating here and there since there is no force of attraction between you and your partner. So, it won’t just happen in the heat of the moment but rather has to be planned and strategized. 

Millis once shared in an interview with The Sun Online that having sex in space is somewhat like having sex while skydiving. 

He shared “The issues surrounding the act all revolve around the freefall, micro-gravity, environment experienced by astronauts. Imagine engaging in sexual activity while skydiving — every push or thrust will propel you in opposite directions.”

“Even the lightest touch can make it difficult to stay in contact if both persons are not properly anchored. The astronauts would need to brace themselves against the space station and even each other.” he further added.

Jonathan Miller, a NASA engineer, with over 30 years of experience, has also highlighted the challenges of sex in microgravity. “Sex in space is greatly overestimated,” he said. 

Can Astronauts Conceive in Space?

Space Medicine Expert, Jennifer Fogarty suggests that human conception of space is very much possible from an anatomical and biological perspective, however NASA has strictly advised against it since this can negatively impact the reproductive health of the female, as well as the well-being of the baby conceived.  

Lack of gravity and constant exposure to intense radiation drastically impacts the overall well being of astronauts, who train for it for years, so it isn't hard to imagine how it can affect a fetus. There is a gradual loss of muscle mass and bone density. This makes the baby more vulnerable to fractures and having very weak pelvic bones. The likelihood of genetic abnormalities might also be on the higher side. 

A century ago, the idea of traveling to space seemed like pure fantasy. Yet here we are, witnessing people travel to space. Who knows—within just a few years, we could witness the birth of the first space baby. The thing about science is that it is always evolving, and this rapid progress could very well open the door to possibilities we never imagined.