Human Factor Studies on a Mars Analogue During Crew 100b International Lunar Exploration Working Group EuroMoonMars Crew: Proposed New Approaches for Future Human Space and Interplanetary Missions

Assessment of Physiological Responses During Field Science Task Performance: Feasibility and Future Needs

Objective

By understanding the physiological demands of different types of tasks that will be performed during extravehicular activity (EVA) on Mars, human performance safety risks can be mitigated. In addition, such understanding can assist in planning EVAs with an appropriate balance of human health and safety with scientific mission return.

Background

This paper describes the results of a study of technical feasibility performed within a Mars human research analog, with participants conducting scientifically relevant planetary science sample analysis and return tasks in two distinct field locations.

Methods

The authors collected heart rate, respiration rate, and heart rate variability (HRV) data, using commercial off-the-shelf hardware and software from study participants as they performed field science tasks within a concept of operations for a Mars science return human expedition mission. These data were remotely monitored, shared in real time, and later analyzed to identify different responses to different tasks in order to determine if there were any predictable or consistent patterns among participants.

Results

It was ultimately determined that, while differences exist between responses to tasks, they are highly subject to multiple sources of individual variability, dynamics of evolving field science tasks, and demands of a demanding physical environment. Further, distributional analyses of participants do not support parametric statistical analysis techniques.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that the physiology of individual astronauts should be extensively studied and modeled to support individualized automated monitoring tools for each crew member that is sent to Mars. Application: Physiological monitoring for specialized populations will require significant individual-level analysis, baselining, and bootstrap statistical methods to enable appropriate human performance determinations.

Space Radiation Protection Countermeasures in Microgravity and Planetary Exploration

BACKGROUND

Space radiation is one of the principal environmental factors limiting the human tolerance for space travel, and therefore a primary risk in need of mitigation strategies to enable crewed exploration of the solar system.

METHODS

We summarize the current state of knowledge regarding potential means to reduce the biological effects of space radiation. New countermeasure strategies for exploration-class missions are proposed, based on recent advances in nutrition, pharmacologic, and immune science.

RESULTS

Radiation protection can be categorized into (1) exposure-limiting: shielding and mission duration; (2) countermeasures: radioprotectors, radiomodulators, radiomitigators, and immune-modulation, and; (3) treatment and supportive care for the effects of radiation. Vehicle and mission design can augment the overall exposure. Testing in terrestrial laboratories and earth-based exposure facilities, as well as on the International Space Station (ISS), has demonstrated that dietary and pharmacologic countermeasures can be safe and effective. Immune system modulators are less robustly tested but show promise. Therapies for radiation prodromal syndrome may include pharmacologic agents; and autologous marrow for acute radiation syndrome (ARS).

CONCLUSIONS

Current radiation protection technology is not yet optimized, but nevertheless offers substantial protection to crews based on Lunar or Mars design reference missions. With additional research and human testing, the space radiation risk can be further mitigated to allow for long-duration exploration of the solar system.

Wearable devices for remote vital signs monitoring in the outpatient setting: an overview of the field

Early detection of physiological deterioration has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Due to recent improvements in technology, comprehensive outpatient vital signs monitoring is now possible. This is the first review to collate information on all wearable devices on the market for outpatient physiological monitoring.

A scoping review was undertaken. The monitors reviewed were limited to those that can function in the outpatient setting with minimal restrictions on the patient’s normal lifestyle, while measuring any or all of the vital signs: heart rate, ECG, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, blood pressure and temperature.

A total of 270 papers were included in the review. Thirty wearable monitors were examined: 6 patches, 3 clothing-based monitors, 4 chest straps, 2 upper arm bands and 15 wristbands. The monitoring of vital signs in the outpatient setting is a developing field with differing levels of evidence for each monitor. The most common clinical application was heart rate monitoring. Blood pressure and oxygen saturation measurements were the least common applications. There is a need for clinical validation studies in the outpatient setting to prove the potential of many of the monitors identified.

Research in this area is in its infancy. Future research should look at aggregating the results of validity and reliability and patient outcome studies for each monitor and between different devices. This would provide a more holistic overview of the potential for the clinical use of each device.

Stress, workload and physiology demand during extravehicular activity: a pilot study

Background:

Extravehicular activity (EVA), such as exercise performed under unique environmental conditions, is essential for supporting daily living in weightlessness and for further space exploration like long Mars mission.

Aim:

The study was planned stress, workload, and physiological demands of simulated Mars exploration.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, the six-person crew lived (24 hours) for 14 days during a short-term stay at the Mars Desert Research Station. The heart rates, salivary cortisol, workload, peak oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic capacity of the crew are measured before, during and after an EVA.

Results:

Data for heart rate showed the same trend as peak oxygen uptake or maximal aerobic capacity, with a maximal increase to 85% of peak. The rating of subscale showed a significant increase in EVA as compared to run. Salivary cortisol levels and heart rates were increased in both groups, although significant increased of cortisol levels and heart rates more in EVA as compared to hill running crew members.

Conclusion:

Further study is required on large scale taken into account of limitations of this study and including other physiological and psychological parameters in Mars analog environment.