NASA Investigates Nail Loss in Astronauts During Spacewalks
NASA is studying an unusual phenomenon experienced by astronauts during spacewalks: the detachment of fingernails. The space agency is working to understand the causes and potential solutions to this issue, which impacts crew members operating outside the spacecraft.
The problem, even as not life-threatening, presents discomfort and potential complications for astronauts performing critical tasks in the harsh environment of space. Details surrounding the investigation were not immediately available, but NASA confirmed the issue is under review.
This investigation comes as NASA continues to prepare for increasingly ambitious missions, including the Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the Moon and eventually establishing a sustained presence there. Understanding and mitigating the physiological challenges of space travel is crucial for the success of these long-duration missions.
The agency’s work in space exploration, as detailed on NASA.gov, encompasses scientific discovery and aeronautics research, and maintaining astronaut health is a key component of that work. NASA’s media operations, including NASA TV and its streaming service, keep the public informed about these developments.
Recently, NASA announced an increase in the cadence of Artemis missions to achieve the national objective of returning American astronauts to the Moon. The agency is also focused on other projects, such as studying space weather from Earth to Mars with the ESCAPADE mission and examining samples of fermented food from space.
The Space Launch System (SLS) moon rocket, part of the Artemis II mission, recently returned to its Florida hangar for repairs, according to an AP News report from February 26, 2026. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced a revamp of the Artemis program, modeling it after the Apollo 1 mission.
