Honeymooning in space may be a dream of the future for many, but those lucky newlyweds may have to sign a disclaimer before engaging in any out-of-this-world consummation, a new report suggests. 

Microgravity sex is an area lacking in research, but a new report warns there could be significant health risks should a pregnancy arise, including the chance of abnormalities in embryos conceived in space or shortly after. Microgravity conception could also increase the chance of an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo attaches outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube.

The authors of the report, titled ‘Sex in Space: Consideration of uncontrolled human conception in emerging space tourism’ have highlighted their concern ahead of this week’s Space Tourism Conference in LA.

‘It is unrealistic to assume that all space tourism participants will abstain from sexual activities while exposed to microgravity and increased levels of ionising radiation during spaceflight,’ they wrote.

‘This raises the possibility of uncontrolled human conception in space.

‘Potential detrimental outcomes and risks include those of a biological nature such as maternal complications related to conception and embryo, foetal, neonatal and later abnormalities.

The team notes that a number of commercial projects are already underway or under consideration, including those by SpaceX and Roskosmos.

How much does it cost to go into space?

In short, a lot.

Last year four private passengers each paid $55million (£44million) to spend a fortnight on the International Space Station in a joint partnership between Nasa, SpaceX and Axiom.

When William Shatner – aka Star Trek’s Admiral James T Kirk – jetted into space on a Blue Origin rocket he did so for free thanks to the rocket’s owner Jeff Bezos. However, the very first seat on a Blue Origin mission sold for $28million at auction.

Passengers wishing to join a Virgin Galactic spaceflight must secure their seats with a $150,000, paying $300,000 in the year before lift-off.

No research has yet been carried out into the effects of microgravity on human embryos, while studies in mice embryos have produced conflicting results – but did often reveal a detrimental effect on development.

‘Our starting point was a throwaway comment about sex in space, but when we checked, we were surprised the sector has not openly considered the risks and this led to the study,’ said lead author David Cullen, professor of astrobiology and space biotechnology at Cranfield University.

The risks of space sex may also continue long after the literal and metaphorical highs of joining the ‘100-mile high club’ have passed. Space radiation may have an effect on sperm, which takes around 74 days to produce – suggesting embryos conceived in the months after landing could still be affected.

The results of a Nasa study into the effects of microgravity on human sperm motility are not yet publicly available.

With the space tourism sector a growing market, the authors argue it is an issue that needs to be urgently addressed. The team proposes a solution could be a bureaucratic one, requiring would-be tourists to sign waivers before lift-off – possibly prohibiting the conception of children. He added they could also be given counselling on ‘safe sexual practices for space tourists’.

But banning conception in space will not be a long-term solution if humans are to continue exploration of the universe and, potentially, establish colonies on Mars. 

‘Given the long-term importance of human reproduction beyond Earth, as humanity is trying to become a multi-planetary species, we need to take seriously the possible first step, whether this is planned, or especially if unplanned,’ said Egbert Edelbroek, the head of SpaceBorn United, a Netherlands-based organisation researching human reproduction in space which helped to coordinate the study.

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