sex and “romantic entanglements” could hinder and even endanger long duration space missions, according to a panel of US researchers. Earth based simulations of spaceship style living have ended in sexual harassment and brawls, though that may just have been the Russians playing up.

But he says sex may also benefit missions by creating “a sense of stability or normalisation”. Ellison agrees, saying sex or masturbation could help alleviate boredom and anxiety on the long, lonely journeys through space.

“It could help or hinder, depending on how many people you’ve got, their relationship, and what it means to them,” she told New Scientist.

Technorati tag: Space Travel, Sex