Introduction of JAXA’s Space Biomedical Research Office (J-SBRO)
- Paper number
IAC-08.A1.7.-A2.7.2
- Author
Dr. Chiaki Mukai, JAXA, Japan
- Year
2008
- Abstract
In 2008 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) starts constructing its on-orbit module called “Kibo”, which is a Japanese Experiment Module, as a part of the International Space Station (ISS). After the successful construction, more Japanese Astronauts will fly into space. As a matter of fact, by the end of year 2008, a long-term space flight (about four months) by a Japanese astronaut is planed. He will be the first Japanese to stay in space for such duration, with more Japanese astronauts following him. The space environment encompassed cosmic radiation, gravity-free, isolation that poses special challenges for humans. Space flight induces such physiological effects as balance disorders, cardiovascular deconditioning, decrease of bone mineralization, muscle disuse atrophy, reduction of immune response, and more. Since 1992 when the first JAXA astronaut flew in space, the JAXA medical team has successfully supported 8 short-term space flights. As we enter the era of ISS utilization, we expect more Japanese Astronauts will fly long-term. JAXA has decided to strengthen its medical capacity to support human space flight by expanding its focus from clinical medicine to include basic research which can elucidate the mechanisms of the problems engendered by space flight. By combining both the clinical and basic science approaches, we can expect more comprehensive understandings of the problems. Therefore, the JAXA Space Biomedical Research Office (J-SBRO) was created in 2007. There are 5 areas of concern for J-SBRO –Development of Physiological Countermeasures (currently focusing on bone and muscle area), Psychological Support such as developing stress monitoring and management methods, on-orbit Medical Systems including telemedicine/telescience technology, Cosmic Radiation for evaluating the biological effects and designing the method of protections, and a monitoring of the module Environment for both toxic gases and the bacteria. Thanks to the full-scale utilization plan of “Kibo” module starting from 2007, some space flight experiments are in the preparation phase. The presentation will address,in detail, the strategies and plans of J-SBRO and areas in which there are potential for cooperation and collaboration.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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