Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026
13:59
Reduced-gravity Environment Hardware Demonstrations of a Prototype Miniaturized Flow Cytometer and Companion Microfluidic Mixing Technology
Published on: November 13, 2014
13.8K
Updates to the NASA human system risk management process for space exploration
Erik L Antonsen1, Erin Connell2, Wilma Anton3
1Center for Space Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. erik.antonsen@bcm.edu.
NPJ Microgravity
|September 7, 2023
Summary
NASA is updating its spaceflight risk assessment to prepare astronauts for lunar and Mars missions. This involves refining risk management processes and using causal diagrams for better understanding and mitigation of human health and performance challenges.
Area of Science:
- Space Medicine
- Human Factors Engineering
- Risk Management
Background:
- Space exploration missions, including lunar and Mars endeavors, present evolving risks to astronaut health and performance.
- Current risk assessment frameworks require updates to address the complexities of long-duration spaceflight.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document updates in NASA's methodology for assessing and mitigating spaceflight-induced risks.
- To enhance the risk management process for future human space exploration missions.
Main Methods:
- Revisions to the likelihood and consequence matrix for risk assessment.
- Updates to design reference mission categories and parameters.
- Implementation of causal diagramming using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to map risk pathways.
Main Results:
- A refined risk management process is established for the Human System Risk Board.
- Standardized evaluation of evidence levels for setting risk posture has been implemented.
- DAGs provide a clear understanding of risk progression from hazard to outcome.
Conclusions:
- The updated approach improves communication and understanding of human system risks among stakeholders.
- The methodology better identifies knowledge gaps and effective countermeasures for spaceflight risks.
- This evolution supports the design of systems and vehicles to accommodate human capabilities and limitations during deep space missions.
Related Concept Videos
01:15High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS)
The resolution of a mass spectrometer depends on the efficiency of separating ions with different ion masses. The mass of an atom is approximated to the sum of the masses of protons and neutrons inside, considering the masses of protons and neutrons as equal. However, the masses of the proton (1.6726 × 10−24 g) and neutron (1.6749 × 10−24 g) are not truly equal. There is a minor error in the expression of atomic masses relative to the simplest atom of hydrogen. For example, the mass of helium...
01:24Acceleration due to Gravity on Other Planets
The gravitational acceleration of an object near the Earth's surface is called the acceleration due to gravity. It can be measured by conducting simple experiments on Earth. However, such an experiment is impossible to conduct on the surface of other planets.
Astronomical observations are thus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity on other planets. This can be determined by observing the effect of a planet's gravity on objects close to it. The crucial factor that helps in this...
Astronomical observations are thus used to measure the acceleration due to gravity on other planets. This can be determined by observing the effect of a planet's gravity on objects close to it. The crucial factor that helps in this...
01:11Hazard Rate
The hazard rate, also known as the hazard function or failure rate, is a statistical measure used to describe the instantaneous rate at which an event occurs, given that the event has not yet happened. From a probabilistic perspective, it represents the likelihood that a subject will experience the event in a very small time interval, conditional on surviving up to the beginning of that interval. In terms of frequency, the hazard rate can be viewed as the ratio of the number of events to the...
01:28Global Regulatory Systems
Global regulatory systems in bacteria enable rapid and coordinated responses to environmental changes by integrating sensory inputs with gene expression, ensuring efficient adaptation to fluctuating conditions. Key global regulatory mechanisms include regulons, two-component systems, sigma factors, and secondary messengers.Regulons and Global RegulatorsA regulon is a collection of genes and operons controlled by a common global regulator. These regulators enable bacteria to prioritize resource...
01:29Real-World Applications of Space Curves
Modern aerospace navigation depends on the accurate prediction of motion in three-dimensional space. In defense applications, radar systems continuously track both interceptors and moving aerial targets to find whether their flight paths will result in a collision. These motions are modeled mathematically as space curves, which represent paths that change continuously with time. Each object’s position is described by a vector function that specifies its location in terms of time-dependent...
01:30Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)
Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is a science-based, preventive system used globally to ensure food safety by identifying, evaluating, and controlling biological, chemical, and physical hazards throughout food production. Originally developed by NASA and the Pillsbury Company for astronaut food, HACCP is now a core component of the Codex Alimentarius.HACCP operates on prerequisite programs—such as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and supplier...