Crew Health Support on Long-Duration Missions in Microgravity: Some Considerations

Paper number

IAC-06-A1.P.2.04

Author

Dr. Marco C Bernasconi, MCB Consultants, Switzerland

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Zenger, Switzerland

Coauthor

Mr. Meindert Versteeg, MCB Consultants, Switzerland

Year

2006

Abstract

As part of the initial studies for ESA's "Space Haven" inflatable habitat, Gunga and Zenger (2004) have reviewed medical issues that may arise and measures to fight them that may appear indicated under different mission scenarios. As part of the same Study, we have compiled a first list of the technical equipment that such countermeasures would require. Moving out from that study, the present paper briefly discusses four related aspect of the health support of crew members undertaking long-duration missions in microgravity.

First, we summarize the results of the above-mentioned work, including an attempt at prioritizing the different kinds of equipment on the basis of the incidences of various affections, as given by a previous ESA-sponsored study (HUMEX). The impact of the equipment on the habitat's design received a first estimate through the assessment of the resources (mass, volume) required by current-technology apparatus, classified as portable or suitable for field use.

We then given a first appraisal of the aspects involved in accommodating a medical facility with the spacecraft: even an expandable habitat still introduces major constraints to such a design. First layouts for a health maintenance area ("gym") and for the medical rooms are presented, together with their relations with the hygienic facilities.

However, in examining needs and potential limits for accommodating an health maintenance suit, further significant aspects surface. On the one hand, it appears the the medical procedures necessary for dispensing health restoration measures have received but little attention to date. Many unknowns therefore remain, and make doubtful the feasibility to apply such concepts within the next habitat generation.

On a more general level, it looks like the approach taken for configuring the habitat and for the measures for attending to the health of the crew members deserve a wider discussion. From an habitability perspective, current habitat plans seem still to yield unnecessarily small volumes.  And it may be time to question the conventional wisdom that refuses even consideration of the introduction of artificial gravity, under consideration of the possibilities for fighting the medical issues that prolonged astronauts exposure to microgravity originates.


References:

H-C Gunga and Roland Zenger (2004). IHAB Phase 0 Medical Support Activities. HTS AG document 513TN0001.


PPH-05-054

Abstract document

IAC-06-A1.P.2.04.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-A1.P.2.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.