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Byline: Charles. Doarn, J. Polk, Marc. Shepanek Over the past 60 years, our ability to live and work in space has evolved. From short sojourns in small spacecraft to landing [...]

The field of human space travel is in the midst of a dramatic revolution. Upcoming missions are looking to push the boundaries of space travel, with plans to travel for longer distances and durations than ever before. Both the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and several commercial space companies (e.g., Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic) have already started the process of preparing for long-distance, long-duration space exploration and currently plan to explore inner solar planets (e.g., Mars) by the 2030s. With the emergence of space tourism, space travel has materialized as a potential new, exciting frontier of business, hospitality, medicine, and technology in the coming years. However, current evidence regarding human health in space is very limited, particularly pertaining to short-term and long-term space travel. This review synthesizes developments across the continuum of space health including prior studies and unpublished data from NASA related to each individual organ system, and medical screening prior to space travel. We categorized the extraterrestrial environment into exogenous (e.g., space radiation and microgravity) and endogenous processes (e.g., alteration of humans' natural circadian rhythm and mental health due to confinement, isolation, immobilization, and lack of social interaction) and their various effects on human health. The aim of this review is to explore the potential health challenges associated with space travel and how they may be overcome in order to enable new paradigms for space health, as well as the use of emerging Artificial Intelligence based (AI) technology to propel future space health research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: In the mid-1970s, NASA required a robust training program for physicians responsible for the medical needs of the Shuttle astronauts. Personnel at NASA worked closely with academicians and subject matter experts at Wright State University (WSU) to develop and establish a residency program in aerospace medicine. This academic training program was initiated in 1978 and closed in 2018. The objective of this historical piece is to catalog, for posterity, the impact this training program has had on national and international human spaceflight and aviation. METHODS: A thorough review of all available historical documents and oral histories provided by contemporaries were reviewed in detail, including a search of every available resident's thesis and all available historical documents and reports at WSU and NASA Headquarters. RESULTS: Over the past 40 yr, WSU has graduated 172 individuals with an M.S. degree focused on aerospace medicine, of which 84 were residents. Nearly 50% of these residents have worked closely with NASA. Many others became integrated into academia, the aviation industry, or international space programs. DISCUSSION: With the growth in interest for government and commercial spaceflight, the field of aerospace medicine is poised to grow. Although it is not well known outside of the Aerospace Medicine community, the legacy of this pioneering, 40-yr civilian-based program is of significant value. If not recorded in an easily locatable and accessible manner, many of the challenges and outcomes from this residency could be lost until future generations have to spend the money, time, and effort to relearn them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Numerous issues in mental health benefit from technological innovation. An example involves the mental health challenges of long-duration spaceflight (such as a Mars mission), including prolonged confinement, microgravity, and different sunlight exposure lengths. Persisting on Earth are global mental health challenges stemming from disease burdens, limited interview-based diagnostic systems, trial-and-error treatment approaches, and suboptimal access. There is potential for cross-pollinating solutions between these seemingly disparate challenges using a range of emerging technologies such as sensors, ‘omics’, and big data. In this review, we highlight the bidirectional value of mental health technology transfer aimed to address issues both on Earth and in space. METHODS: We prepared a systematic review of studies pertaining to mental health technological innovation and space medicine. RESULTS: For Earth mental health technologies translatable to long-duration space missions, we cite several example technologies, including device-based psychotherapy and social support, conversational agents ‘aka chatbots’, and nutritional and physical activity focused mental health. Space technologies translatable to Earth mental health include remote sensing devices, global navigation satellite systems, satellite communications, chronotherapies, and nutritional advances. DISCUSSION: There is a rich history of space technologies informing Earth technological trends, including general health care on Earth, and vice versa. To avoid the traditional happenstance approach that results in delays, missed opportunities, and increased cost, and to improve outcomes for both Earth and space utilization of these technologies, we propose increased dialogue and training opportunities to enhance innovation and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We examined the physiological and psychological status of men and women who spent the summer (n =100) and/or winter (n =85) seasons in Antarctica at McMurdo (latitude 78.48 S, elevation 12 m) and South Pole (latitude 90 S, elevation 3880 m) stations to determine whether there were any significant differences by severity of the stations'' physical environment. Physiological measures (body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, tympanic temperature), serum measures of thyroid hormones, cortisol, and lipids and plasma catecholamines were obtained at predeployment (Sep–Oct) and the beginning of the summer (November) and winter (Mar–Apr) seasons. Cognitive performance and mood were assessed using the Automatic Neuropsychological Assessment Metric — Isolated and Confined Environments (ANAM-ICE), a computerized test battery. South Pole residents had a lower body mass index (p <0.05) and body temperature (p <0.01) and higher levels of plasma norepinephrine (p <0.05) in summer and winter than McMurdo residents. Upon deployment from the United States and during the summer, South Pole residents experienced significantly higher thyroid hormone values (free and total T3 and T4) (p <0.01) than McMurdo residents; in summer they also experienced lower levels of triglycerides (p <0.01) cortisol (p <0.05) and LDL (p <0.05). In winter, South Pole residents also experienced a 39% decrease in serum TSH compared with a 31.9% increase in McMurdo (p <0.05). South Pole residents also were significantly more accurate (p <0.05) and efficient (p <0.01) in performance of complex cognitive tasks in summer and winter. Higher thyroid hormone levels, combined with lower BMI and body temperature, may reflect increased metabolic and physiological responses to colder temperatures and/or higher altitude at South Pole with no apparent adverse effect on mood and cognition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Space agencies use terrestrial-based analog missions to reduce risk and cost of spaceflight operations. This paper explains how research simulations differ from more traditional spaceflight analogs, and describes medical mishaps that may occur. Suggested paths to improved safety standards will better prepare health and safety officers to address healthcare gaps. • Analog space missions use terrestrial environments to simulate aspects of real space. • They vary significantly in fidelity, funding, resources, and organization. • A safety focused risk assessment should be conducted regardless of analog type. • The roles and responsibilities of health and safety officers are many and diverse. • Reporting significant adverse events is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]