Springer Fundamentals of Space Medicine: 47 (Space Technology Library, 47)

This fundamental 3rd Edition offers a comprehensive overview of performance declines observed in astronauts and cosmonauts throughout various space missions, spanning from Gagarin's flight to the Apollo lunar surface activities, as well as Space Shuttle landings and long-duration stays on board the International Space Station. This evidence forms the basis for identifying risks to crew health and performance during extended space missions, as well as for developing countermeasures to mitigate these risks. In this edition, you'll read how space agencies are currently gearing up for human missions beyond low-Earth orbit, which necessitates addressing numerous physiological, psychological, operational, and scientific challenges prior to establishing bases on the surface of Moon and Mars. The emerging commercial sub-orbital and orbital flight capabilities have captivated both the public and the scientific community. This book also identifies the anticipated hurdles, or "showstoppers," for these space missions and what must be understood to grasp fully the implications and risks for space explorers. Over 650 astronauts from various nations have collectively spent over 184 years in space. Currently, the 72nd expedition crew resides on the International Space Station, maintaining a continuous human presence since 2000. Investigations during this time have explored issues like bone and muscle health, space motion sickness, immune function changes, crew dynamics, and medical challenges such as visual impairment and radiation effects. These studies, including those led by Gilles Clément, have provided valuable insights into human adaptation to space.