Prolonged periods in space have potentially deleterious physiological and psychological effects. Ensuring the physical health and mental wellbeing of astronauts will inevitably supersede the need for technological innovation, as the major challenge in long-duration space travel. This session explores a role for psychedelics (psychoactive fungal, plant, and animal molecules that cause alterations in perception, mood, behavior, and consciousness) to facilitate extended sojourns in space. Psychedelics research is in the midst of a renaissance and psychedelics are being explored not only for their therapeutic potential in psychiatry, but also for their ability to promote neuroplasticity, modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.The human intergalactic experience is just beginning, and it would be wise to consider the benefits of ensuring that the intrepid explorers undertaking potentially perilous space voyages benefit from our planet’s rich psychedelic heritage. There is also some justification in considering the application of psychedelics in the processing and integration of the profound and spiritual experience of deep space travel, which may include encounters with other life forms.

Leonard Lerer is founder and CSO of Back of the Yards Algae Sciences, an industrial biotechnology company aiming to find sustainable algae and mushroom-based solutions to our planet’s pressing nutrition, agricultural, health and wellness challenges. He is a physician with post-graduate degrees in epidemiology and pathology. He manages an R&D portfolio spanning alternative protein development and psychedelics biotechnology. His interest in the potential applications of psychedelics in long-duration space travel stems from his work at the interface between bioregenerative, zero-waste food systems, mycelial cell culture and his research into the therapeutic potential of molecules derived from psychedelic mushrooms.

Session Resources (YouTube)