Newswise \u2014 COLUMBUS, Ohio \u2013\u00a0Long-duration spaceflight can chip away at an astronaut\u2019s health, prompting scientists to find new ways to make living in space easier on the body.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The journey to outer space is incredibly dangerous, but crews must also face day-to-day hazards, such as exposure to cancer-causing radiation<\/a>, 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.<\/a><\/p>\n This quest was the highlight of this year\u2019s National Academy of Engineering regional meeting<\/a>, 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<\/a> at The Ohio State University.\u00a0<\/p>\n One of the conference\u2019s keynote speakers was Scott Parazynski,<\/a> a physician and former NASA astronaut who once flew with John Glenn<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSpace is actually harder on the body<\/a> than you might think,\u201d said Parazynski.<\/p>\n Despite the extensive health checks<\/a> 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<\/a> from the International Space Station.\u00a0<\/p>\n But in situations where it isn\u2019t 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n This means that advanced tools and systems will be vital to overcoming the challenges astronauts will face once off-world. \u201cIn 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,\u201d said Parazynski, \u201cbut also to extract science and do meaningful work.\u201d<\/p>\n Polishing up novel technologies for future space missions could also lead to big improvements in medical systems here on Earth. \u201cInvestments in space health help us in remote parts of our world, in disaster recovery, and so many other facets of health care,\u201d said Parazynski.\u00a0<\/p>\n Other topics addressed during the meeting revealed insights regarding Earth observation \u2013 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.<\/p>\n In another panel, Karen Dannemiller,<\/a> an associate professor of civil, environmental and geodetic engineering<\/a> and environmental health sciences at Ohio State<\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNone of us thinks too much about indoor environmental quality until it\u2019s an emergency,\u201d said Dannemiller. \u201cBut traveling to the moon or to Mars, we don\u2019t have the luxury to wait until then.\u201d Instead, early detection and addressing issues before they become unmanageable are staples of sustainable innovations that can collectively support human health, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cFollow your passions wherever that may lead,\u201d said Dannemiller. \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid of failure.\u201d<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n