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Life sciences issues affecting space exploration
R J White1, J I Leonard, L Leveton
1Lockheed Engineering & Sciences Co., Washington, DC 20024, USA.
Microgravity Science and Technology
|December 1, 1990
Summary
Life scientists are crucial for human space exploration, ensuring crew health and mission success. Research focuses on radiation protection, artificial gravity, and life support for Moon and Mars missions.
Area of Science:
- Space Science
- Human Physiology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- NASA is exploring permanent Moon colonies and Mars outposts.
- Life scientists are vital for crew health, productivity, and safety.
- Advancing human adaptation to space environments is a key scientific goal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline critical research areas for human space exploration.
- To detail the role of life sciences in supporting long-duration space missions.
- To identify research needs for Moon and Mars missions.
Main Methods:
- Ground-based and flight research programs by NASA Life Sciences.
- Utilizing facilities analogous to planetary outposts (e.g., Antarctica).
- Testing closed ecological life support systems on Earth and Space Station.
- Conducting short-duration simulations using Space Shuttle and Spacelab.
- Leveraging Space Station Freedom for long-duration reduced gravity research.
Main Results:
- Identified critical research areas: radiation protection, reduced gravity countermeasures, artificial gravity, medical care, life support, and human factors.
- Established the necessity of Moon-based research for Mars mission preparation.
- Highlighted the role of Space Station Freedom for long-term microgravity studies.
Conclusions:
- Resolving challenges in sustaining humans in space will yield advances in science, medicine, and technology.
- Life sciences research is fundamental to enabling sustained human presence beyond Earth.
- International collaboration and advanced technological development are essential for future exploration.