Preparing for months in space
Long-duration missions require special preparation to handle the physiological and psychological effects of extended weightlessness, confined living, and separation from Earth. Training and research focus on countermeasures, habitability, and mission planning.
Typical preparations include:
- Exercise regimens and equipment to limit muscle and bone loss.
- Advanced medical monitoring and telemedicine training.
- Behavioral health support and crew dynamics training.
- Life support systems familiarization and redundancy planning.
- Nutrition planning and food system testing.
Research and technology development
- Studies on radiation exposure and shielding technologies.
- Development of autonomous medical procedures and diagnostics.
- Habitat design research to improve habitability and privacy.
- Closed-loop life-support demonstrations for water and air recycling.
These measures aim to keep crews healthy and productive on months- or years-long missions, and they inform spacecraft and habitat design for destinations like the Moon and Mars.