Space Ultrasound: A Proposal for Competency-based Ultrasound Training for In-flight Space Medicine

Space travel has transformed in the past several years. Given the burgeoning market for space tourism, in-flight medical emergencies are likely to be expected. Ultrasound is one of the few diagnostic and therapeutic modalities available for astronauts in space. However, while point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is available, there is no current standard of training for astronaut preparation. We suggest an organized and structured methodology by which astronauts should best prepare for space with the medical equipment available on board. As technology continues to evolve, the assistance of other artificial intelligence and augmented reality systems are likely to facilitate training and dynamic real-time needs during space emergencies. Summary: As space tourism continues to evolve, an organized methodology for POCUS use is advised to best prepare astronauts for space.

Support potential of elite civil universities for China's space industry: Higher educational mobilization capacity for China's space ambition

This study established a model to assess the capability of civil universities to support the development of China’s space industry. Using linear scaling, data from 41 elite universities were assessed for three dimensions: education, research, and culture. Differences among the indicators and their correlations were examined. A k-means algorithm was employed to classify universities into four clusters. According to the results, high support potential for the space industry is concentrated in certain universities. With the outcomes, the study also provides recommendations to guide space industry authorities and university leaders in policymaking. Further, the model can be used as a feasible, simple, and practical tool for similar studies.

OpenSpace: Changing the Narrative of Public Dissemination in Astronomical Visualization from What to How

We present the development of an open-source software called OpenSpace that bridges the gap between scientific discoveries and public dissemination and thus paves the way for the next generation of science communication and data exploration. We describe how the platform enables interactive presentations of dynamic and time-varying processes by domain experts to the general public. The concepts are demonstrated through four cases: Image acquisitions of the New Horizons and Rosetta spacecraft, the dissemination of space weather phenomena, and the display of high-resolution planetary images. Each case has been presented at public events with great success. These cases highlight the details of data acquisition, rather than presenting the final results, showing the audience the value of supporting the efforts of the scientific discovery.

Four men in a space station - To say nothing of the cow! The quest for finding respite and work in the ultimate frontier

Fed up with life on earth, four scientists attempt to make it to space to live in the International Space Station (ISS) and carry out experiments. The difficulties in getting selected by NASA, the rigourous training to fly and the risks of the journey to life and health are the rate limiting steps in their quest. They propose commercialization of space and also ferrying cows to space for food as well as generation of biogas. The anaerobic environment is particularly suitable for biogas generation and if successful they plan to get NASA to launch space vehicles to Mars using this natural fuel with the ISS as the staging area.

[Person-oriented approaches to the psychologic assistance to pilots' teaching and training]

The author dwells upon the concept and practice of psychologic assistance to pilots' training and drilling, associated contradictions and issues that can be resolved by dint of ingenious training methods. One of these approaches is a person-oriented process of teaching, training and character building. The method was tested with a group of pilot students and some test results are described in the paper. To assimilate this approach, a special course for teachers, simulation and flight instructors needs to be developed.

Meditations on the new space vision: the Moon as a stepping stone to Mars

The Vision for Space Exploration invokes activities on the Moon in preparation for exploration of Mars and also directs International Space Station (ISS) research toward the same goal. Lunar missions will emphasize development of capability and concomitant reduction of risk for future exploration of Mars. Earlier papers identified three critical issues related to the so-called NASA Mars Design Reference Mission (MDRM) to be addressed in the lunar context: (a) safety, health, and performance of the human crew; (b) various modalities of mission operations ranging surface activities to logistics, planning, and navigation; and (c) reliability and maintainability of systems in the planetary environment. In simple terms, lunar expeditions build a résumé that demonstrates the ability to design, construct, and operate an enterprise such as the MDRM with an expectation of mission success. We can evolve from Apollo-like missions to ones that resemble the complexity and duration of the MDRM. Investment in lunar resource utilization technologies falls naturally into the Vision. NASA must construct an exit strategy from the Moon in the third decade. With a mandate for continuing exploration, it cannot assume responsibility for long-term operation of lunar assets. Therefore, NASA must enter into a partnership with some other entity--governmental, international, or commercial--that can responsibly carry on lunar development past the exploration phase.

Lunar exploration and development--a sustainable model

A long-term goal of space exploration is the development of a lunar settlement that will not only be largely self-sufficient but also contribute to the economy of the Earth-Moon system. Proposals for lunar mining and materials processing developments, as well as tourism-based applications, have appeared in the literature for many years. However, so great are the technical and financial difficulties associated with sustained lunar development that, more than 30 years after the end of the Apollo programme, there have been no practical advances towards this goal. While this may soon be remedied by a series of proposed unmanned orbiters, landers and rovers, the philosophy of lunar exploration and development remains the same as it has for decades: conquer, exploit, and ignore the consequences. By contrasting the well-recognised problems of Earth orbital debris and the barely recognised issue of intentional spacecraft impacts on the lunar surface, this paper illustrates the need for a new model for lunar exploration and development. This new paradigm would assign a value to the lunar environment and provide a balance between protection and exploitation, creating, in effect, a philosophy of sustainable development for the Moon. It is suggested that this new philosophy should be an integral part of any future strategy for lunar colonisation.

Analysis and modeling of information flow and distributed expertise in space-related operations

Evolving space operations requirements and mission planning for long-duration expeditions require detailed examinations and evaluations of information flow dynamics, knowledge-sharing processes, and information technology use in distributed expert networks. This paper describes the work conducted with flight controllers in the Mission Control Center (MCC) of NASA's Johnson Space Center. This MCC work describes the behavior of experts in a distributed supervisory coordination framework, which extends supervisory control/command and control models of human task performance. Findings from this work are helping to develop analysis techniques, information architectures, and system simulation capabilities for knowledge sharing in an expert community. These findings are being applied to improve knowledge-sharing processes applied to a research program in advanced life support for long-duration space flight. Additional simulation work is being developed to create interoperating modules of information flow and novice/expert behavior patterns.

Humans to Mars: a feasibility and cost-benefit analysis

Mars is a compelling astrobiological target, and a human mission would provide an opportunity to collect immense amounts of scientific data. Exploration alone, however, cannot justify the increased risk. Instead, three factors drive a human mission: economics, education, and exploration. A human mission has a unique potential to inspire the next generation of young people to enter critically needed science and engineering disciplines. A mission is economically feasible, and the research and development program put in place for a human mission would propel growth in related high-technology industries. The main hurdles are human physiological responses to 1-2 years of radiation and microgravity exposure. However, enabling technologies are sufficiently mature in these areas that they can be developed within a few decade timescale. Hence, the decision of whether or not to undertake a human mission to Mars is a political decision, and thus, educational and economic benefits are the crucial factors.

Communicating bioastronautics research to students, families and the nation

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) is supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) education mission through a comprehensive Education and Public Outreach Program (EPOP) that communicates the excitement and significance of space biology to schools, families, and lay audiences. The EPOP is comprised of eight academic institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Rice University, and the University of Washington. This paper describes the programs and products created by the EPOP to promote space life science education in schools and among the general public. To date, these activities have reached thousands of teachers and students around the US and have been rated very highly.

[Malfunction simulation by spaceflight training simulator]

OBJECTIVE

To implement malfunction simulation in spaceflight training simulator.

METHOD

The principle of malfunction simulation was defined according to spacecraft malfunction predict and its countermeasures. The malfunction patterns were classified, and malfunction type was confirmed. A malfunction simulation model was established, and the malfunction simulation was realized by math simulation.

RESULT

According to the requirement of astronaut training, a spacecraft subsystem malfunction simulation model was established and realized, such as environment control and life support, GNC, push, power supply, heat control, data management, measure control and communication, structure and so on.

CONCLUSION

The malfunction simulation function implemented in the spaceflight training simulator satisfied the requirements for astronaut training.

Evaluation of shoulder integrity in space: first report of musculoskeletal US on the International Space Station

Investigative procedures were approved by Henry Ford Human Investigation Committee and NASA Johnson Space Center Committee for Protection of Human Subjects. Informed consent was obtained. Authors evaluated ability of nonphysician crewmember to obtain diagnostic-quality musculoskeletal ultrasonographic (US) data of the shoulder by following a just-in-time training algorithm and using real-time remote guidance aboard the International Space Station (ISS). ISS Expedition-9 crewmembers attended a 2.5-hour didactic and hands-on US training session 4 months before launch. Aboard the ISS, they completed a 1-hour computer-based Onboard Proficiency Enhancement program 7 days before examination. Crewmembers did not receive specific training in shoulder anatomy or shoulder US techniques. Evaluation of astronaut shoulder integrity was done by using a Human Research Facility US system. Crew used special positioning techniques for subject and operator to facilitate US in microgravity environment. Common anatomic reference points aided initial probe placement. Real-time US video of shoulder was transmitted to remote experienced sonologists in Telescience Center at Johnson Space Center. Probe manipulation and equipment adjustments were guided with verbal commands from remote sonologists to astronaut operators to complete rotator cuff evaluation. Comprehensive US of crewmember's shoulder included transverse and longitudinal images of biceps and supraspinatus tendons and articular cartilage surface. Total examination time required to guide astronaut operator to acquire necessary images was approximately 15 minutes. Multiple arm and probe positions were used to acquire dynamic video images that were of excellent quality to allow evaluation of shoulder integrity. Postsession download and analysis of high-fidelity US images collected onboard demonstrated additional anatomic detail that could be used to exclude subtle injury. Musculoskeletal US can be performed in space by minimally trained operators by using remote guidance. This technique can be used to evaluate shoulder integrity in symptomatic crewmembers after strenuous extravehicular activities or to monitor microgravity-associated changes in musculoskeletal anatomy. Just-in-time training, combined with remote experienced physician guidance, may provide a useful approach to complex medical tasks performed by nonexperienced personnel in a variety of remote settings, including current and future space programs.

Space biology class as part of science education programs for high schools in Japan

Declining incentives and scholastic abilities in science class has been concerned in Japan. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology encourages schools to cooperate with research institutions to raise student's interest in natural sciences. The Science Partnership Program (SPP) and the Super Science High-School (SSH) are among such efforts. Our short SPP course consists of an introductory lecture on space biology in general and a brief laboratory practice on plant gravitropism. Space biology class is popular to students, despite of the absence of flight experiments. We suppose that students are delighted when they find that their own knowledge is not a mere theory, but has very practical applications. Space biology is suitable in science class, since it synthesizes mathematics, physics, chemistry and many other subjects that students might think uninteresting.

The European Astronaut Centre prepares for International Space Station operations

The European Space Agency (ESA) contribution to the International Space Station (ISS) goes much beyond the delivery of hardware like the Columbus Laboratory, its payloads and the Automated Transfer Vehicles. ESA Astronauts will be members of the ISS crew. ESA, according to its commitments as ISS international partner, will be responsible to provide training on its elements and payloads to all ISS crewmembers and medical support for ESA astronauts. The European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne has developed over more than a decade into the centre of expertise for manned space activities within ESA by contributing to a number of important co-operative spaceflight missions. This role will be significantly extended for ISS manned operations. Apart from its support to ESA astronauts and their onboard operations, EAC will have a key role in training all ISS astronauts on ESA elements and payloads. The medical support of ISS crew, in particular of ESA astronauts has already started. This paper provides an overview on status and further plans in building up this homebase function for ESA astronauts and on the preparation towards Training Readiness for ISS crew training at EAC, Cologne. Copyright 2001 by the European Space Agency. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc., with permission. Released to IAF/IAA/AIAA to publish in all forms.

Strategies of cell biology experimentation in space

The purpose of this article is to inform newcomers on the most important aspects of experimentation with living cells and tissues in space laboratories and platforms. There are strong arguments that justify the efforts and investments in such activity. Experimentation in space is subject to safety and technological constraints that require considerable attention to the development of the flight protocols and of the flight instrumentation. Nevertheless to fly an experiment in space is a unique opportunity to study living systems under conditions not reproducible on Earth and it is also a contribution to human exploration of space. Thereby important progress in basic and applied science can be expected. Parallel investigations on ground with devices averaging the exposure to the gravity vector but not reproducing microgravity shall always be part of a space flight project.

Specific problems of physical training of cosmonauts

Physical fitness and--closely related to it--physiological aspects of physical condition are very important in the elevation of the tolerance level to harmful effects of surrounding factors. To improve the possibilities of withstanding the factors of spaceflight, the cosmonauts undergo special training. Among the training methods there is a physical training program that is planned in relation to the general fitness of the cosmonaut. The following problems will be discussed, based on results obtained by the Polish Institute of Aviation Medicine: 1) The specific future of a physical training program. 2) The results of physiological research in a specifically elevated tolerance level to hypoxia and acceleration. 3) The possibilities of extension of physical training taking into account other flight factors.

Feeling free, feeling 0-g!

Following the great success of the Student Parabolic Flight Campaigns that it organised in 1994 and 1995, ESA decided to make them an annual event for students from the Agency's Member States. An initiative of ESA's Education Office, the campaigns give talented students a unique opportunity to experience weightlessness whilst performing their own scientific experiments, and hopefully encourage them to consider pursuing a career in space. The fifth Student Parabolic Flight Campaign (SPFC) took place from Bordeaux-Merignac Airport in southwest France in the first weeks of September 2002, with more than 120 students participating. Their thirty-two experiments had been selected in a Europe-wide competition and covered a wide variety of disciplines. The great enthusiasm shown by the students and the wide coverage that the campaign received in the media demonstrated the growing interest in space education and the promotional value of the campaign.

EAC trains its first international astronaut class

After several years of planning and preparation, ESA's ISS training programme has become operational. Between 26 August and 6 September, the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne gave the first ESA advanced training course for an international ISS astronaut class. The ten astronauts who took part--two from NASA, four from Japan and four from ESA--had begun their advanced training programme back in 2001 with sessions at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston and at the Japanese Training Centre in Tsukuba. During their stay in Cologne, the ten astronauts participated in a total of 33 classroom lessons and hands-on training sessions, which gave them a detailed overview of the systems and subsystems of the Columbus module, the Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV), and the related crew operations tasks. They were also introduced to the four ESA experiment facilities to be operated inside the Columbus module. After their first week of training at EAC, the astronauts were given the opportunity to see the flight model of the Columbus module being integrated at the site of ESA's ISS prime contractor, Astrium in Bremen. The second week of training at EAC included hands-on instruction on the Columbus Data Management System (DMS) using the recently installed Columbus Crew Training Facility. In preparation for the first advanced crew training session at EAC, two Training Readiness Reviews (TRR) were conducted there in June and August. These reviews were supported by training experts and astronauts from NASA, NASDA and CSA (Canada), who were introduced to ESA's advanced training concept and the development process, and then analysed and evaluated the training flow, content and instructional soundness of lessons and courses, as well as the fidelity of the training facilities and the skills of the ESA training instructors. The International Training Control Board (ITCB), made up of representatives from all of the ISS International Partners and mandated to control and coordinate all multilateral training for ISS crew and ground-support personnel, testified to ESA's readiness to provide Advanced Training by declaring the EAC TRR successful. The completion of this first training course was therefore a good opportunity for the Astronaut Training Division to assess the status of its training programme. The comments and recommendations of the training experts and the astronauts who took part have been carefully evaluated and the results are being fed back into the ongoing training development process.

A model for vestibular function in altered gravitational states

During evolution, the vestibular organ was made to serve mainly two purposes: 1) to guide eye movements during sharp turns, so that the point of fixation in the visual field can be kept steady, a function accomplished by the semicircular canal system and 2) to indicate the terrestrial vertical, so that upright posture and gait can be maintained even in the dark. The otolith system serves the latter purpose. Since the function of the semicircular canal system does not depend on gravity, it is not grossly disturbed by gravitational levels different from 1 g. The proper function of the otolith system depends entirely on the presence of a gravitational force vector of 9.8/m/sec2 directed towards the center of the earth. This system therefore malfunctions when the amplitude of the combined gravito-inertial load is different from 1 g and also when the direction of the sensed gravitational pull is "contaminated" by additional inertial reactive forces as during horizontal acceleration. The effect of such inertial stimulations is probably even stronger in a weightless environment, in which case the background stimulation of terrestrial gravity is absent. Moreover, minor mass differences between the otolithic membranes of the left and right inner ear, even if well compensated on the ground, might lead to malcompensation in weightlessness as well as in hypergravity. A hypothetical model is developed to describe in the central nervous system compensating mechanisms in hypo- and hypergravitational states. The "space-sled" is introduced as a new research tool and recommendations are made for a prophylactic training regimen to reduce or prevent space sickness.

Canada and the International Space Station program: overview and status

The twelve months since IAF 2000 have been perhaps the most exciting, challenging and rewarding months for Canada since the beginning of our participation in the International Space Station program in 1984. The highlight was the successful launch, on-orbit check out, and the first operational use of Canadarm2, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System, between April and July 2001. The anomalies encountered and the solutions found to achieve this success are described in the paper. The paper describes, also, the substantial progress that has been made, during the twelve months since IAF 2000, by Canada as it continues to complete work on all flight-elements of its contribution to the International Space Station and as we transition into real-time Space Station operations support and Canadian utilization. Canada's contribution to the International Space Station is the Mobile Servicing System (MSS), the external robotic system that is key to the successful assembly of the Space Station, the maintenance of its external systems, astronaut EVA support, and the servicing of external science payloads. The MSS ground segment that supports MSS operations, training, sustaining engineering, and logistics activities is reaching maturity. The MSS Engineering Support Center and the MSS Sustaining Engineering Facility are providing real-time support for on-orbit operations, and a Canadian Payloads Telescience Operations Center is now in place. Mission Controllers, astronauts and cosmonauts from all Space Station Partners continue to receive training at the Canadian Space Agency. The Remote Multi Purpose Room, one element of the MSS Operations Complex, will be ready to assume backroom support in 2002. Canada has completed work on identifying its Space Station utilization activities for the period 2000 through 2004. Also during the past twelve months the CSA drafted and is proceeding with the approval of a Canadian Space Station Commercialization Policy. Canadian astronauts have now participated in three ISS assembly missions--Julie Payette on STS-96, Marc Garneau on STS-97, and Chris Hadfield on STS-100 in April 2001 during which he performed Canada's first EVA and the successful installation of the Space Station Remote Manipulator System.

Improving science literacy and education through space life sciences

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) encourages open involvement by scientists and the public at large in the Institute's activities. Through its Education and Public Outreach Program, the Institute is supporting national efforts to improve Kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) and undergraduate education and to communicate knowledge generated by space life science research to lay audiences. Three academic institution Baylor College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine and Texas A&M University are designing, producing, field-testing, and disseminating a comprehensive array of programs and products to achieve this goal. The objectives of the NSBRI Education and Public Outreach program are to: promote systemic change in elementary and secondary science education; attract undergraduate students--especially those from underrepresented groups--to careers in space life sciences, engineering and technology-based fields; increase scientific literacy; and to develop public and private sector partnerships that enhance and expand NSBRI efforts to reach students and families.

[On the educational benefits of biological sciences in space]

Experimental results in Space Sciences are getting accumulated. It may be advisable for the educational activities of our society that we inform young people, not only of each experimental result, but also of a variety of novel views of life and the world introduced by the researches in Biological Sciences in Space. We are going to provide a data-base including elementary words and concepts in these fields.

[A plan of life science education programs in the Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space]

The Future Plan Committee of the Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space drafted a Life Science Education Programs. The program consists of preparation of teaching materials for elementary and high school teachers and of summer course of the gravitational and space biology for university students and young scientists. The outline of the programme are presented.

[Give cosmic sense to next generations through cosmic/space biology]

Life sciences are currently most important fields for every person. Each subject of life sciences is deeply correlated to cosmic events, and young generations can be more interested in life sciences if they know this correlation. In this respect, cosmic/space biology can play essential roles in fostering the science-oriented generations. Some approaches to realize the above concepts are presented.

[Proposition by an exobiologist]

The study and education of Exobiology in Japan has several problems. First, there are no laboratories nor departments named "Exobiology" or "Astrobiology" in Japan. Most of exobiological studies are performed without official supports. Second, many youths are interested in exobiology, but they do not know how to take part in research of exobiology. In order to solve the problems, not only each researcher but also the society (JSBSS) should advertise the activities in exobiological researches in Japan by using such media as symposia and publications. It is also essential to have official divisions named "exobiology" in national institutes or universities.

The third ESA Student Parabolic-Flight Campaign

Today's students will become tomorrow's workforce and hence they should be involved in the global space programme as early as possible so that they will be motivated to follow space careers and create a space-educated next generation for working within the space domain. Getting students involved in today's space programmes is important not only for the space industry in terms of providing a talented workforce for the future, but also for the general public who will be the future voters and potential political supporters of future European space activities. With this in mind, ESA's Office for Education and Outreach organises and runs many space-related activities for young people in order to stimulate their interest in space in particular and in science in general. One of these activities is the 'Student Parabolic-Flight Campaign'.

EAC training and medical support for International Space Station astronauts

The operation of the International Space Station (ISS) will be a global multilateral endeavour. Each International Partner will be responsible for the operation of its elements and for providing a crew complement proportional to its share of the overall resources. The preparations of the European Astronaut Centre to furnish training and medical support for the ISS astronauts are described.

Ten years of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC)

The European Astronaut Centre, the home base of ESA's Astronaut Corps, celebrated its 10th anniversary on 17 May 2000 with a media event highlighting the past, present and future of the Agency's manned space programme.

[Physiological evaluation of vestibular training load]

Objective. To evaluate the effects of vestibular training by observing the variations of the physiological indices. It is helpful in grasping the training load, setting down and implementing the training plan. Method. 10 healthy subjects received linear acceleration, continuous Coriolis acceleration and discontinuous Coriolis acceleration stimuli on different dates. The stimulus was stopped when there were slight autonomic nervous symptoms, ECG, EGG and BP were recorded before during and after the stimuli. Computerized Dynamic Posturography (correction of Postrograph) (CDP) was tested before and after experiment. Result. One subject finished the training of the three stimuli with only slight autonomic nervous symptoms. The CDP tests pre- and post-experiment indicated that for most subjects the contribution of vestibular function in maintaining dynamic posture equilibrium increased after the linear acceleration stimuli, but decreased after continuous Coriolis acceleration stimuli, and there was great individual difference after discontinuous Coriolis acceleration stimuli because the stimulation was relatively heavy. The equilibrium score in SOT2 decreased significantly after linear acceleration stimuli, and increased significantly after discontinuous Coriolis acceleration stimuli. Conclusion. The training methods we designed and used in this experiment are feasible, and the required training load can be reached. EGG, BP and the percentage of LF (low frequency) in ECG R-R power spectrum can reflect the subject's condition when the period stimuli stopped. It provided important reference in the determination of training stimulation load.

[CAT system and its application in training for manned space flight]

As aerospace missions get increasingly frequent and complex, training becomes ever more critical. Training devices in all levels are demanded. Computer-Aided Training (CAT) system, because its economic, efficient and flexible, is attracting more and more attention. In this paper, the basic factors of CAT system were discussed; the applications of CAT system in training for manned space flight were illustrated. Then we prospected further developments of CAT system.

Intelligent control of a planning system for astronaut training

This work intends to design, analyze and solve, from the systems control perspective, a complex, dynamic, and multiconstrained planning system for generating training plans for crew members of the NASA-led International Space Station. Various intelligent planning systems have been developed within the framework of artificial intelligence. These planning systems generally lack a rigorous mathematical formalism to allow a reliable and flexible methodology for their design, modeling, and performance analysis in a dynamical, time-critical, and multiconstrained environment. Formulating the planning problem in the domain of discrete-event systems under a unified framework such that it can be modeled, designed, and analyzed as a control system will provide a self-contained theory for such planning systems. This will also provide a means to certify various planning systems for operations in the dynamical and complex environments in space. The work presented here completes the design, development, and analysis of an intricate, large-scale, and representative mathematical formulation for intelligent control of a real planning system for Space Station crew training. This planning system has been tested and used at NASA-Johnson Space Center.

Psycho-social training for man in space

In preparation for the international manned space station various international and national space agencies are already participating with the Russian MIR programme with short, medium, and long term presence on the MIR station. Although selection criteria for all crew include careful psychological screening, with some effort also regarding team build-up, this has proved insufficient; moreover. little or no effort is expended in the area of psycho-social- or team training. This paper propounds the authors' thesis that, in addition to the steps already being taken, psycho-social training is essential for long-duration flight. A concrete proposal is made for such a training program, with an overview of how such a program will look like; examples of past applications are given.

Training astronauts using three-dimensional visualisations of the International Space Station

Recent advances in personal computer technology have led to the development of relatively low-cost software to generate high-resolution three-dimensional images. The capability both to rotate and zoom in on these images superposed on appropriate background images enables high-quality movies to be created. These developments have been used to produce realistic simulations of the International Space Station on CD-ROM. This product is described and its potentialities demonstrated. With successive launches, the ISS is gradually built up, and visualised over a rotating Earth against the star background. It is anticipated that this product's capability will be useful when training astronauts to carry out EVAs around the ISS. Simulations inside the ISS are also very realistic. These should prove invaluable when familiarising the ISS crew with their future workplace and home. Operating procedures can be taught and perfected. "What if" scenario models can be explored and this facility should be useful when training the crew to deal with emergency situations which might arise. This CD-ROM product will also be used to make the general public more aware of, and hence enthusiastic about, the International Space Station programme.

MEDES clinical research facility as a tool to prepare ISSA space flights

This new multi-disciplinary medical experimentation center provides the ideal scientific, medical and technical environment required for research programs and to prepare international space station Alpha (ISSA) missions, where space and healthcare industries can share their expertise. Different models are available to simulate space flight effects (bed-rest, confinement,...). This is of particular interest for research in Human psychology, physiology, physiopathology and ergonomics, validation of biomedical materials and procedures, testing of drugs, and other healthcare related products. This clinical research facility (CRF) provides valuable services in various fields of Human research requiring healthy volunteers. CRF is widely accessible to national and international, scientific, medical and industrial organisations. Furthermore, users have at their disposal the multi-disciplinary skills of MEDES staff and all MEDES partners on a single site.

Problems of psychological monitoring in astronaut training

Monitoring of the goal-oriented psychological changes of a man during professional training is necessary. The level development of the astronaut psychic features is checked by means of psychological testing with the final aim to evaluate each professionally important psychological qualities and to evaluate in general. The list of psychological features needed for evaluation is determined and empirically selected weight factors based on wide statistical sampling is introduced. Accumulation of psychological test results can predict an astronaut's ability of solving complicated problems in a flight mission. It can help to correct the training process and reveal weakness.