Publication Date
1-1-2023
Journal
The IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology
DOI
10.1109/OJEMB.2023.3255513
PMID
38274774
PMCID
PMC10810302
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
3-10-2023
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Aerospace medicine, ExMC, Mars, NASA, space medicine
Abstract
Goal: Current Space Medicine operations depend on terrestrial support to manage medical events. As astronauts travel to destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and beyond, distance will substantially limit this support and require increasing medical autonomy from the crew. This paper defines Earth Independent Medical Operations (EIMO) and identifies key elements of a conceptual EIMO system. Methods: The NASA Human Research Program Exploration Medical Capability Element held a 2-day conference at Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX with NASA experts representing all aspects of Space Medicine. Results: EIMO will be a process enabling progressively resilient deep space exploration systems and crews to reduce risk and increase mission success. Terrestrial assets will continue to provide pre-mission screening, planning, health maintenance, and prevention, while onboard medical care will increasingly be the purview of the crew. Conclusions: This paper defines and describes the key components of EIMO.