The team tested an advanced countermeasure known as Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP), which applies suction to the legs to encourage fluid redistribution away from the head. This technique aims to counter microgravity-induced conditions such as elevated intracranial pressure, vision impairment, and heightened risk of blood clots.
Professor Diaz Artiles noted that the findings will support future Moon and Mars exploration while also contributing to treatments for vascular disease and cardiovascular rehabilitation on Earth. UC3M professor Oscar Flores added that testing LBNP under true microgravity marks a crucial step in validating its medical potential both in space and terrestrial applications.
The project highlights the leadership of women and Spanish scientists in space medicine. Among the participants are ESA reserve astronaut Sara Garcia Alonso, Spanish Space Agency director Isabel Vera Trallero, CIMA director Beatriz Puente-Espada, UC3M professor Oscar Flores Arias, TAMU student Huc Pentinat Llurba, and Spain's National Institute of Aerospace Technology.
Blood circulation in the neck and other cardiovascular and ocular parameters were measured during flights to evaluate the efficacy of LBNP. The collaboration includes global partners such as the University of California, Davis, the University of Florida, NASA, ESA, Texas A and M University, and Lockheed Martin, underscoring the project's international scope.
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Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Space Medicine Technology and Systems
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