The future of human spaceflight research is looking promising, with a surge in private citizens venturing into space and advancements in data collection techniques. A recent publication in the journal Nature showcased the physical and mental changes experienced by the Inspiration4 crew during their mission in 2021. This groundbreaking research was made possible by the crew’s diligent data collection efforts, providing scientists with over 100,000 health-related data points.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that the Inspiration4 crew underwent far less rigorous training compared to NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA astronauts undergo a battery of health tests, including ultrasounds, cognitive tests, biopsies, and various other assessments. However, the Inspiration4 crew, consisting of individuals from diverse backgrounds, managed to gather significant data despite their limited training.
Dr. Dorit Donoviel, co-author of one of the papers published in Nature and executive director of the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this research. She highlighted the initial skepticism about gathering a reasonable amount of data from private individuals without scientific research exposure. However, the success of the Inspiration4 mission proved that research can indeed be conducted with private individuals in space.
To accommodate the novice space travelers, TRISH researchers developed a testing suite that required minimal training. The crew also wore Apple Watches, and the capsule was equipped with environmental sensors that provided valuable insights into how changes in the confined environment affected their health and cognitive performance. Moving forward, researchers aim to digitize testing and make data gathering more passive to minimize the cognitive load on private astronauts.
The availability of more data is crucial as space tourism becomes increasingly popular. Researchers can better understand how spaceflight impacts individuals who differ from the typical NASA astronaut profile. This includes gathering data on women, individuals with pre-existing conditions, and those who don’t possess exceptional physical or cognitive abilities. The findings from the Inspiration4 mission indicate that short-duration missions do not pose significant health risks, challenging previous assumptions about the dangers of longer-term space travel.
Collaboration between commercial providers like Axiom Space, SpaceX, and Blue Origin and TRISH has been fruitful. These providers, despite competing for customers, have agreed to standardize and pool the data collected on their respective missions. This collective effort contributes to a common knowledge base, benefiting the advancement of space health research.
However, as the number of non-governmental space missions rises, ethical and regulatory questions arise. Will private astronauts be willing to participate in scientific research during their luxury space tourism experiences? Dr. Donoviel highlights the importance of social responsibility for private astronauts. They owe a debt to taxpayers who funded the space capabilities that enable their journeys. Advances in wearable technology, such as the Apple Watch and devices like the Biobutton and sweat patch, have made data collection less invasive and burdensome for participants.
In conclusion, the recent research conducted on the Inspiration4 mission signifies a renaissance in human spaceflight research. The commitment of private citizens to data collection and the collaboration between commercial providers and research institutions like TRISH pave the way for a better understanding of the effects of spaceflight on diverse individuals. As the private space industry continues to expand, it is crucial to uphold social responsibility and prioritize scientific research to maximize the benefits of human space exploration.
