How Space Operations Drive Innovation In Human Healthcare

Abstract

Appropriate healthcare during human spaceflight necessitates adequate capabilities throughout the mission. This paper aims to raise awareness about how operations impact healthcare innovation. Future missions beyond low-Earth orbit will fundamentally alter healthcare, and advancements in space medicine will drive innovation in the field. Space agencies rely on evidence-based approaches to maximise the impact of innovation and make it safe for use in space. However, a lack of human readiness levels delays the inclusion of humans in the technology development process and can prevent the identification of human health hazards. This creates difficulties for the commercial space sector when attempting to apply the government's evidencebased approaches. As a result, medical capabilities for spaceflight could be developed independently of operations and vehicle/system design. Creating a safety framework necessitates alignment between these domains and may promote improved technology transfer of spaceflight medical capability to terrestrial medical needs.

Introduction to the Special Section on Healthcare for Space, Space for Healthcare

“…Medical innovation in spaceflight is critical for guaranteeing astronaut safety and well-being and promoting healthcare innovation on Earth. The challenges posed by space operations directly impact the development of medical technology and practices, making space exploration a significant catalyst for medical innovation [1]. This impact will be further amplified by upcoming government-led human exploration programs on the Moon, as the retirement of the ISS and the establishment of new space infrastructure drive innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of human activities beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) [1].…”

“…The challenges posed by space operations directly impact the development of medical technology and practices, making space exploration a significant catalyst for medical innovation [1]. This impact will be further amplified by upcoming government-led human exploration programs on the Moon, as the retirement of the ISS and the establishment of new space infrastructure drive innovation to ensure the long-term sustainability of human activities beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) [1]. During spaceflight, it is imperative to establish and maintain healthcare capabilities throughout the mission.…”