NASA Expands Collaboration with Commercial Partners on Space Station Medical Protocols

NASA Expands Collaboration with Commercial Partners on Space Station Medical Protocols
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 10, 2024

As the aerospace community expands beyond governmental boundaries, NASA is leveraging its comprehensive human spaceflight experience to guide the development of new commercial space stations. By working with private partners, NASA aims to make space more accessible, ensuring that the cumulative know-how of over a quarter-century at the International Space Station translates into safer future missions for a wider range of participants.

Dr. Rahul Suresh, a medical officer at NASA's Johnson Space Center, highlighted the lack of established industry standards and government regulations for managing the health and safety of non-professional astronauts in orbit. To address this, NASA is imparting its medical best practices to budding commercial spaceflight entities. This initiative aims to lay a solid foundation for hosting future NASA missions on these new platforms.

A series of meetings hosted by NASA at the Johnson Space Center facilitated the transfer of medical standards and processes. Attendees included major aerospace companies such as Axiom Space, Blue Origin, Sierra Space, SpaceX, Vast, and Voyager Space, all engaged in collaborative agreements with NASA for space station development.

These engagements not only cover medical evaluations but also extend to astronaut selection, training protocols, and post-mission care. The criteria for astronaut selection, for instance, are meticulous, involving comprehensive psychological and physical screenings to ensure candidates are well-suited for the rigors of spaceflight. Such thorough preparation is crucial for the success of both the individuals and the missions.

Post-flight reconditioning programs are also critical, as they help astronauts recover from the physical alterations caused by time spent in microgravity, such as decreased bone density and muscle mass. These programs are essential for ensuring astronauts return to their pre-flight condition as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Angela Hart, manager of NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Development Program, emphasized the importance of these collaborations in preparing for the eventual decommissioning of the existing space station. By sharing knowledge and resources, NASA is actively supporting the infrastructure development needed for a thriving commercial spaceflight market.

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