Astronaut medical selection during the shuttle era: 1981-2011.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Human Spaceflight
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Astronaut selection involves rigorous screening and medical examinations to ensure suitability for spaceflight.
• Medical standards have evolved over decades based on spaceflight experience to mitigate mission risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolution of medical selection standards during the Space Shuttle era (1978-2004).
• To identify the most frequent medical reasons for astronaut candidate disqualification.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records and NASA archives for astronaut finalists (1978-2004).
• Analysis of medically disqualifying conditions among candidates.

Main Results:

• 372 applicants were disqualified due to 425 medical concerns during Shuttle selection cycles.
• Most common disqualifying conditions included visual, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and behavioral disorders.
• Expert panel reviews led to refinements in selection standards.

Conclusions:

• Shuttle-era medical selection processes were refined through expert reviews and evidence-based medicine.
• The program contributed to developing NASA and international standards, data collection, and medical surveillance.
• Findings from the Shuttle program provide a foundation for current and future space mission medical selections.