Unlocking innovations: How space health research drives technological advancements on Earth
The universe stretches far beyond our reach, yet its exploration brings solutions closer to home. What if the key to improving life on Earth lies in understanding the challenges of space? The connection between space research and terrestrial advancements is not merely aspirational but a very real new horizon that promises to revolutionize health on Earth and in space.
Many advancements that have improved health on Earth, such as water filtration systems, heart pump technology and telemedicine, originated from space-related research and technologies adapted for terrestrial use.
At the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), we are transforming human space exploration through EXPAND, a commercial space health research program. By studying health and performance in spaceflights, such as the recent Polaris Dawn Mission, TRISH is tackling known health challenges faced by astronauts in space, like space motion sickness and cognitive impairment.
By collecting valuable health data before, during and after spaceflight missions through a collaborative effort with commercial spaceflight providers and their passengers, EXPAND consolidates research efforts and enables TRISH to better support and understand the well-being of spaceflight participants through a streamlined approach.
The biospecimens, medical data and research collected through the voluntary contributions of commercial spaceflight participants have enabled TRISH to create a state-of-the-art repository for biological samples and contribute to medical and research knowledge bases. This growing repository enhances the space health research community’s ability to study the effects of spaceflight across a broad range of health backgrounds, enabling faster solutions to both space and Earth-based health challenges.
One of the many health challenges in space and on Earth is motion sickness. Space motion sickness stems from sensory differences, as the inner ears and eyes send conflicting signals. Whether riding in a minivan or orbiting in a space capsule, similar symptoms may occur, such as nausea, dizziness and discomfort. Symptoms are even more intense in space, as the lack of gravity exacerbates sensory conflicts, leading to disorientation. By closely studying space motion sickness, TRISH researchers are gaining deeper insights into the factors that contribute to this condition.
Though the type of motion and gravitational factors differ between space motion sickness and motion sickness on Earth, their similarities allow researchers to develop medical advancements to address both conditions. New treatments or technologies also could be used in the care of fall-risk patients.
Another research initiative that offers valuable insights into human health and performance on Earth is the study of cognitive and physiologic responses during spaceflight. Researchers collect data on the cognitive performance of the crew before, during and after the mission. Similar to how cognitive performance is studied on Earth, space health studies employ continuous physiological monitoring, behavioral tasks, neuropsychological assessments and cognitive function tests, such as sustained attention, risk decision-making, emotion recognition, memory, spatial orientation and abstraction. Through the monitoring of respiratory and heart rates, we can track how environmental factors play a role in cognitive function – learnings that can impact the treatment of cognitive impairment on Earth.
With the development of medical equipment and measures for the extreme conditions of space travel, EXPAND is extending and advancing healthcare on Earth, especially in low-access areas. Portable, lightweight ultrasound and eye measurement capabilities developed for spaceflight crews provide ease of use for non-medical personnel through small and compact imaging technology. The convenient and accessible technology enables non-medical personnel to operate it for diagnosis, regardless of location or previous training and could empower rural, underserved communities. The EXPAND program is harnessing the full potential of space health research, enabling TRISH, NASA and private astronauts to contribute to medical advancements that enhance the well-being of all humans.
By leveraging innovative research, we aim to further our understanding of whole-body health and performance in space. Health discoveries from commercial space missions can not only improve astronauts’ well-being but also drive medical advancements overall, helping humans thrive both on Earth and in space.
By Jimmy Wu, Deputy Director and Chief Engineer, and Emily Miedema, communications fellow with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health
