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Research
> Humans
in Spaceflight |
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Humans in Spaceflight,
the study of Space Medicine, Physiology, Psychology and
Sociology |
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In recent decades, the human
spaceflight developed along with the necessity of elaborating
studies and experiments in fields as Medicine, Physiology,
Psychology and Sociology in order to protect the human
being against the extra-terrestrial environment (MICE
- Microgravity, Isolated and Confined Environment) adverse
effect. To optimize the conditions for human performance
in space environment and to facilitate the use of the
gained known-how for non-space applications has become
increasingly important.
During spaceflight, well documented changes occur at the
muscle-skeletal, neurological, cardio-vascular, immune,
respiratory, ophthalmic, hormonal systems level. They
need to be properly and specifically addressed to maintain
crew health, performances and abilities during the overall
mission and after re-entry on Earth. The changes must
be monitored to evaluate their evolution and the major
Space Agencies performed, on board of the International
Space Station, lots of experiments (just to give some
examples: EKE,
CARD,
NEUROSPAT,
AFFORDANCES).
Meanwhile the MICE effects on the human psychology and
mental condition become increasingly important, especially
in relation with the foreseen planetary missions (Mars,
asteroids) with human crew. Long exposure to isolation
and confinement is also problematic with relation to the
socially comportamental issues that could arise from the
"social confinement" (living, in confined space,
with a restricted number of partners, for months or even
years).
The importance of this "social confinement"
and of its potential mental impairments (behavioral deviations,
depression etc.) that could lead to threats for the mission
accomplishment is demonstrated by preparatory studies
already performed (e.g. Mars500,
and others)
In the Institute of Space Science a special research structure,
the Competence Centers in Space Technologies as Support
for Human Spaceflight - STARWALKER,
has been created to deal with research, solutions and
project proposals related to human health in Space.
The Space Medicine, Physiology, Psychology and Sociology
of Humans in Spaceflight field of research has strong
connections with the Countermeasures
as well as to the Astrosociology
fields of research
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Contact person: Alexandru
Nistorescu alexnistorescu [at] yahoo [dot] com
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