A new NASA study aims to gather standardized measurements across multiple body systems to understand the effects of space travel on humans. The research, known as “Spaceflight Standard Measures,” will collect data from astronauts before, during, and after missions to provide insights into how isolation, weightlessness, and other space hazards impact human health.
The study includes various measures such as activity levels, sleep patterns, nutrition analysis, immune system function tests, cognitive assessments, balance tests, and even fecal samples. This comprehensive approach will help researchers better understand the changes that occur in astronauts’ bodies when exposed to microgravity.
The findings from this research will inform protocols designed to keep astronauts healthier during long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. By understanding how space travel affects humans, NASA can develop more effective strategies to mitigate the risks associated with space travel and ensure the health and well-being of its astronauts.
Source: https://www.nasa.gov/standard-measures