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Research
> Countermeasures |
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Countermeasures, the
protection of astronauts against impairments induced by
MICE - Microgravity, Isolated and Confined Environment
- and the consequent terrestrial spin-off |
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Astronauts' protection (countermeasures)
during spaceflight is a long date concern of the international
space community. The effects of the MICE - Microgravity,
Isolated and Confined Environment and the important threat
of cosmic radiation is of grater interest once long deep/space
mission as well as the aspiration for colonization of
nearby Solar System bodies such as the Moon and Mars,
became current projects.
The threats of MICE and radiation exposure induce harmful
changes at the muscle-skeletal, neurological, cardio-vascular,
immune, respiratory, ophthalmic, hormonal systems level
as well as in the psycho-mental performance of humans.
Currently, the countermeasures actions include physical
exercises, diet and medication that addresses before,
during and after the spaceflight the preparation, the
protection and respectively the recovery after the spaceflight.
The European Space Agency, in the international context
offered by the International
Space Station, performs an intense research
and testing program to identify the most effective
countermeasures methods and devices.
As soon as Romania became, in 2011, an ESA
Member State, the Romanian Space Agency subscribed,
in 2013, to ESA's Human
Spaceflight related Optional Programme. More than
that, recently, Romania
became stakeholder of the International Space Station,
promoting future possibilities for Romanian researchers
to propose and operate experiments in real microgravity.
The Institute of Space Science, based on previous experience
in Human Performance studies as well as on a high interdisciplinary
cooperation with national and international institutions,
intensified the preoccupations for countermeasures. Presently,
in the Institute for Space Science, is operating a Competence
Centre for Space Technologies - STARWALKER,
developed under a contract with the Romanian Space Agency
in the frame of STAR
National R&D programme.
The STARWALKER Competence Centre is oriented on research
for countermeasures solutions against space environment
related physiological impairments (cardio-vascular decompensation,
calcium loss, muscle volume and force loss etc.) as well
as mental-volitional impairments (cognitive, psychological,
psycho-social, decrease of fast and adequate response
etc.).
STARWALKER specific niche is the use, in the countermeasures
benefit, of the real-time, information-feedback, computer-assisted,
neuromuscular and mental control training.
It is to be noted that results (research, methods, devices)
in countermeasures field have an important transfer potential
for terrestrial spin-off in the field of recovery medicine,
disabilities assistance, age-related and degenerative
diseases treatment as well as for demanding professions
such as critical intervention personnel or extreme and
high performance sports practitioners.
The STARWALKER Competence Centre develops intense education,
awareness and international cooperation actions and, globally,
targets the increase of the Romanian Space Community capability
to participate in ESA activities and is seeking for national
and international co-operators for research and applications
in such an interdisciplinary field.
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Contact person: Mihaela
Marin mihaela_gabriela13 [at] yahoo [dot] com
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