Focusing in on human health research at annual space meeting

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Focusing in on human health research at annual space meeting

Researchers prepare to support crew health on extended missions

Long-duration spaceflight can chip away at an astronaut's health, prompting scientists to find new ways to make living in space easier on the body.

The journey to outer space is incredibly dangerous, but crews must also face day-to-day hazards, such as exposure to cancer-causing radiation, microgravity and extreme isolation. Understanding and mitigating these risks may allow astronauts to stay in these environments for extended periods, especially as agencies race to build permanent habitats on the Moon.

This quest was the highlight of this year's National Academy of Engineering regional meeting, as students, scientists and industry experts gathered to discuss and shape solutions to the logistical challenges of living and working in outer space. The three-day event was held at the Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center at The Ohio State University.

One of the conference's keynote speakers was Scott Parazynski, a physician and former NASA astronaut who once flew with John Glenn, who spoke about anticipating and preparing for health issues in space. Such concerns range from how astronauts will treat medical emergencies and mental health conditions to ensuring long-term pharmaceutical availability.

"Space is actually harder on the body than you might think," said Parazynski.

Despite the extensive health checks astronauts must undergo before liftoff, instances of illness and injury in space are still common occurrences. Prolonged stays in space can cause long-term issues like cardiovascular strain, sleeplessness, hypoxia (low oxygen) and reduced musculoskeletal fitness. Earlier this year, one astronaut even experienced a health scare that led to the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station.

But in situations where it isn't possible to return to Earth quickly, crews will need to be able to handle emergency situations on their own, including having to perform space surgeries or provide care for other spaceflight-induced traumas.

This means that advanced tools and systems will be vital to overcoming the challenges astronauts will face once off-world. "In exploration, when we challenge ourselves to go to extreme environments, we inevitably have to invent technologies not only to make it safe to go do that," said Parazynski, "but also to extract science and do meaningful work."

Polishing up novel technologies for future space missions could also lead to big improvements in medical systems here on Earth. "Investments in space health help us in remote parts of our world, in disaster recovery, and so many other facets of health care," said Parazynski.

Other topics addressed during the meeting revealed insights regarding Earth observation - or how scientists are monitoring our planet from above, what drives materials and manufacturing in space, and how researchers are finding new pathways to lunar exploration.

In another panel, Karen Dannemiller, an associate professor of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering and environmental health sciences at Ohio State, detailed some of the engineering challenges behind preserving astronaut health, and spoke about the importance of identifying issues like microbial threats in the environment as quickly as possible.

"None of us thinks too much about indoor environmental quality until it's an emergency," said Dannemiller. "But traveling to the moon or to Mars, we don't have the luxury to wait until then." Instead, early detection and addressing issues before they become unmanageable are staples of sustainable innovations that can collectively support human health, she said.

She and other panelists also shared advice on how next-generation scientists and academic leaders ought to seek out new research solutions to modern-era spaceflight obstacles.

"Follow your passions wherever that may lead," said Dannemiller. "Don't be afraid of failure."

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