Editing Space colonization (section)

==== Solutions to health risks ====
{{See also|Bioastronautics}}
Although there are many physical, mental, and emotional health risks for future colonists and pioneers, solutions have been proposed to correct these problems. [[Mars500]], [[HI-SEAS]], and SMART-OP represent efforts to help reduce the effects of loneliness and confinement for long periods of time. Keeping contact with family members, celebrating holidays, and maintaining cultural identities all had an impact on minimizing the deterioration of mental health.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://anxiety.psych.ucla.edu/nasa-study-stress-management-and-resilience-training-for-optimal-performance-smart-op|title=NASA Study: Stress Management and Resilience Training for Optimal Performance (SMART-OP) – Anxiety and Depression Research Center at UCLA|language=en-US|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404154812/https://anxiety.psych.ucla.edu/nasa-study-stress-management-and-resilience-training-for-optimal-performance-smart-op|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> There are also health tools in development to help astronauts reduce anxiety, as well as helpful tips to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria in a closed environment.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://phys.org/news/2017-09-e-mental-health-tool-key-astronauts.html|title=E-mental health tool may be key for astronauts to cope with anxiety, depression in space|website=Phys.org|language=en-us|access-date=4 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404154812/https://phys.org/news/2017-09-e-mental-health-tool-key-astronauts.html|archive-date=4 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Radiation risk may be reduced for astronauts by frequent monitoring and focusing work to minimize time away from shielding.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Keeping Astronauts Healthy in Space |url=https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/travelinginspace/30sept_spacemedicine.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202103324/https://www.nasa.gov/vision/space/travelinginspace/30sept_spacemedicine.html |archive-date=2 February 2019 |access-date=5 March 2019 |website=NASA.gov |publisher=NASA |language=en}}</ref> Future space agencies can also ensure that every colonist would have a mandatory amount of daily exercise to prevent degradation of muscle.<ref name=":0" />