Advanced Medical Technologies in Support of Manned Commercial Space Flights

摘要

Space travel exposes individuals to an operational environment that is more hazardous than what is currently experienced onboard today's commercial airline transports. The goal of Space Medicine is to assess the physiological, psychological, environmental and operational stress factors that affect humans during space flights, and to assess the potentially adverse consequences (acute and chronic) of exposure to such stress factors on their health, performance and safety. The exponential capabilities of digital electronic devices have had a significant impact on scientific breakthroughs in advanced medical technologies. These new technologies have led to discoveries in medicine and human performance, as well as the development of unique medical tools to perform health monitoring, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. This presentation will discuss advanced technological developments in genomics, gene therapy, microbiomics, stem cells & regenerative medicine, artificial replacement tissues & organs, neurotechnology, nanomedicine, body-worn medical sensors & body networks, personal biomedical devices and medical robotics, as well as their potential practical applications to improve medical selection, health maintenance and performance assessment/improvement of space crews and passengers. The development and practical application of these advanced medical technologies are rapidly changing the scope and complexity of Space Medicine and its impact on human safety and performance in space operations. However, the relative lack of knowledge and experience with some of these medical technologies make it challenging to approve their use among space crews and passengers.