NASA is gearing up for its latest long-duration science mission aboard the International Space Station with SpaceX Crew-12, where select crew members will be subjected to a range of human health studies aimed at understanding how astronauts' bodies adapt to the low-gravity environment of space.
The study's goal is to better comprehend the subtle changes in blood flow that occur when humans are exposed to weightlessness for extended periods. One critical concern is the increased risk of developing blood clots, which can pose serious health risks such as strokes. By monitoring the effects on astronauts' circulatory systems and fluid shifts, researchers hope to develop effective strategies to prevent these complications.
To achieve this, crew members participating in Venous Flow will undergo a battery of preflight and post-flight tests, including MRIs, ultrasound scans, blood draws, and blood pressure checks. During their time on the ISS, they will also be required to capture their own jugular vein ultrasounds, take blood pressure readings, and draw blood samples for scientists to analyze after their return to Earth.
However, astronauts' ability to operate spacecraft safely in low-gravity environments is also a major concern. Researchers are conducting another study, called Manual Piloting, which will assess the piloting skills of select crew members before, during, and after a simulated lunar landing mission. By simulating the challenges of landing on the Moon and Mars, scientists aim to better understand how astronauts adapt to new gravitational environments.
The stakes are high, as the risk of disorientation increases with longer stays in space. To mitigate this risk, researchers are planning to recruit a large group of astronauts for short-term private missions lasting up to 30 days and long-duration missions lasting at least 106 days.
Furthermore, NASA is also investigating potential treatments for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which can cause vision and eye changes. Researchers are exploring the efficacy of taking daily B vitamin supplements in relieving SANS symptoms.
The Human Research Program's latest findings will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to support safe, productive human space travel as NASA sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The study's goal is to better comprehend the subtle changes in blood flow that occur when humans are exposed to weightlessness for extended periods. One critical concern is the increased risk of developing blood clots, which can pose serious health risks such as strokes. By monitoring the effects on astronauts' circulatory systems and fluid shifts, researchers hope to develop effective strategies to prevent these complications.
To achieve this, crew members participating in Venous Flow will undergo a battery of preflight and post-flight tests, including MRIs, ultrasound scans, blood draws, and blood pressure checks. During their time on the ISS, they will also be required to capture their own jugular vein ultrasounds, take blood pressure readings, and draw blood samples for scientists to analyze after their return to Earth.
However, astronauts' ability to operate spacecraft safely in low-gravity environments is also a major concern. Researchers are conducting another study, called Manual Piloting, which will assess the piloting skills of select crew members before, during, and after a simulated lunar landing mission. By simulating the challenges of landing on the Moon and Mars, scientists aim to better understand how astronauts adapt to new gravitational environments.
The stakes are high, as the risk of disorientation increases with longer stays in space. To mitigate this risk, researchers are planning to recruit a large group of astronauts for short-term private missions lasting up to 30 days and long-duration missions lasting at least 106 days.
Furthermore, NASA is also investigating potential treatments for Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), which can cause vision and eye changes. Researchers are exploring the efficacy of taking daily B vitamin supplements in relieving SANS symptoms.
The Human Research Program's latest findings will play a crucial role in shaping strategies to support safe, productive human space travel as NASA sets its sights on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
this is so cool! I've always been fascinated by space travel and how humans adapt to space. The fact that they're studying blood clots and circulatory systems in space is mind-blowing 
I mean, can you imagine having to deal with that kind of pressure in microgravity? It's crazy to think that NASA is doing all this research just so we can know more about how to keep astronauts safe on long missions. And the idea of simulating lunar and Mars landings is like something out of a sci-fi movie 
I'm all for it, though! If it means we can get humans to explore space safely and productively, then I'm 100% in 
... scientists are really worried about blood clots & strokes from weightlessness. They're gonna monitor astronauts' circulatory systems like crazy with MRIs, ultrasound scans & blood draws 
. And if that's not enough, there's also Manual Piloting to worry about - who knows what kind of disorientation could happen during a lunar landing? 
... I mean, can we really prepare them for all this? And on top of that, there's SANS to deal with - vision & eye changes from space travel. Taking daily B vitamins might be the only cure? 
Not exactly reassuring.
... at least we know their plans are kinda extreme 
...
this is so intense for those astronauts they're gonna be stuck in space for months and we just wanna know how their bodies are gonna hold up 
I'm literally worried about them 
but at the same time it's amazing that they get to be part of this huge mission 
those studies on blood clots and vision changes are so important because we don't want anyone to get hurt 
I just hope they're taking good care of themselves up there 
it's like, we're finally getting closer to understanding how our bodies adapt to space and finding ways to prevent those life-threatening blood clots 
. I mean, who wants to risk having a stroke while floating around up there? 
.
! I'm all about taking care of those space travelers and making sure they come back home safe and sound 
. Bring on the B vitamins and hope for a cure! 
? I'm all about that space life, but I gotta wonder, is it possible 2 prevent blood clots 2 much? 
! Can't wait to see what other innovations come out of this research...
. Blood clots are super concerning, so it's awesome that NASA is tackling those risks head-on 
I'm also loving that they're exploring treatments for SANS, which affects vision & eye health 
. These researchers are total rockstars 
! The more we learn about space travel, the closer we'll be to sending humans to Mars & beyond