How sex would work in SPACE: Experts reveal the challenges of becoming intimate in microgravity

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With Elon Musk setting his sights on making us an 'interplanetary species' by creating a new colony on Mars, it's only a matter of time before sex in space becomes a reality.

But there are several reasons why this might not be as easy as it is on Earth.

There are yet to be any recorded instances of astronauts doing the deed in space, and it seems that the lack of gravity may be the main factor stopping them.

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There are yet to be any recorded instances of astronauts doing the deed in space, and it seems that the lack of gravity may be the main factor stopping them (stock image)

Rumours have long circulated about astronauts having sex in space, but Russian and American space agencies have both denied any of these are true.

While Nasa apparently doesn't explicitly ban sex in space, its astronaut code of conduct calls for 'relationships of trust' and 'professional standards' to be maintained at all times.

Nasa has also banned any married couples from going into space together – although this is mostly due to group dynamics, rather than worries of them having sex.

The main issue to contend with in space would be the lack of gravity.

Professor Anja Geitmann, Dean of the Department of Plant Sciences at McGill University in Montreal, who has done significant research on sex in space, told MailOnline that the main issue would be 'for the partners to try to remain in physical proximity, since one can't rely on gravity to push one partner against the other.'

Space crafts are usually quite confined spaces. Professor Geitmann added: 'Another issue would be trying to avoid hitting one's head, since again, there is no gravity to prevent the partners to drift away from each other and against the nearest obstacle with each movement.'

But while the absence of gravity is an annoyance, Professor Geitmann says that there are ways around it.

She said: 'The challenges are purely mechanical. Straps and a sleeping bag, or simply a confined space with soft walls might be all that's necessary.'

Lack of gravity not only affects physical movement, but it can also cause issues within the body.

Blood circulation in space is affected and could make it difficult for a man to get an erection.

Pornhub is planning to send 'sextraunauts' into low-Earth orbit next year to film the first ever adult movie in space. Dubbed 'Sexplorations', the film will star porn actors Eva Lovia (left) and Johnny Sins (right)

In an article for Nasa, Lori Meggs, from AI Signal Research, said: 'There's no gravity to pull blood into the lower part of the body.

'Instead, blood goes to the chest and head, causing astronauts have puffy faces and bulging blood vessels in their necks.'

Despite these problems, several people are eager to give space sex a go.

Last year, PornHub said it was planning to send 'sextraunauts' into low-Earth orbit to film the first ever adult movie in space.

Dubbed 'Sexplorations', the film will star porn actors Eva Lovia and Johnny Sins, who will receive 'six months of rigorous training' prior to launch.

However, it remains to be seen whether this will go ahead.