A second space age spanning omics, platforms and medicine across orbits

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Medicine
• Space Biology
• Biomedical Technologies

Background:

• Commercial spaceflight expansion drives increased activity in low Earth orbit.
• A new era of space exploration necessitates advanced health monitoring for astronauts.
• The 'second space age' enables the integration of precision medicine into space missions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight advancements in biomedical research for spaceflight.
• To detail the integration of commercial space entities into aerospace medicine.
• To showcase tools for ensuring human presence beyond Earth's orbit.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing multi-omic, single-cell, and spatial biology tools.
• Developing new imaging techniques and real-time cognitive assessments.
• Implementing personalized risk profiles and physiological monitoring for astronauts.

Main Results:

• Identification of novel spaceflight biomarkers and development of countermeasures.
• Advancements in pharmacogenomics for tailored astronaut healthcare.
• Establishment of the first aerospace medicine biobank.

Conclusions:

• Precision aerospace medicine is crucial for long-duration and interplanetary missions.
• Commercial sector involvement is expanding aerospace medicine capabilities.
• Biomedical technologies are key to supporting a permanent human presence in space.