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Article by: Shrabonti Majumder
The future of medicine in space is forming and it is an exciting time and an exciting space in every sense of the word, as humanity ramps up its exploration and plans to establish roots away from our home planet. Providing medical care in space comes with unique challenges, and studies are ongoing to keep astronauts healthy on their sojourns.
Microgravity and its effects on the human body is one of the greatest challenges to human astronauts. In space, bones deteriorate faster lacking resistance and muscles atrophy. Therefore, astronauts have to exercise their body. There is more to it than just exercising. Researchers are considering ways to maintain bone and muscle tissue degradation with drugs and nutritional interventions, to ensure that spacefarers return to Earth without lingering health consequences.
Radiation exposure is another problem. This is because, unlike on Earth where the atmosphere affords some protection, astronauts are exposed to cosmic rays and solar radiation all the time while in space. In this case, cancer risk and other diseases related to radiation are at stake since exposure has risen. Advanced materials for shielding spacecrafts and suits are being developed by scientists as well as pharmaceutical options that could protect people from radiation damage.
Space isolation is a big concern when it comes to medical emergencies. On Earth, one can usually make it to a hospital quickly; however, immediate medical care is impossible in space especially during missions beyond Mars. Consequently, telemedicine has become an important constituent of health provision in space. Technological developments have seen astronauts now engaging real-time consultations with doctors on Earth among other things. Furthermore, advances made in medical kits that are on board spacecraft include portable ultrasound machines and even 3D printers which can potentially manufacture tools while they fly.
NASA and other space agencies also focus on psychological health. The psychological wellbeing of individuals on long-term missions may be challenged by the isolation and confinement of these activities. To prepare them for this, astronauts receive training in psychology while their mission plans allow frequent communication with family members back at home plus friends who would want to check up on them sometimes too.
When looking ahead to longer missions and even the potential colonization of other planets, space medicine is going to continue growing. It’s possible that the inventions made for astronauts will be hugely helpful in treating patients here on Earth, so this is an area of great importance for both space exploration and healthcare.
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