Archived by Raymond J. Noonan, Ph.D., Health and Physical Education Department, Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York (FIT-SUNY), and SexQuest/The Sex Institute, NYC, for the benefit of students and other researchers interested in the human aspects of the space life sciences. Return to first page for background information on these pages.
Astronaut Health Care in Space
The health of astronauts aboard the Space Shuttle depends on:
- a mission specialist who provides medical care
- a flight surgeon, who stays on Earth and advises the astronauts
- shuttle supplies available in the Shuttle Orbiter Medical System (SOMS) kit, and
- proper waste management within the confines of the orbiter.
Mission Specialist Care
During a Space Shuttle mission, a mission specialist watches over the health of crew members. This person may be either a physician or an astronaut who has paramedic training. There is special medical equipment aboard for taking electrocardiograms, a medicine chest with first-aid kits, and medication to treat illnesses such as sinus congestion or insomnia. On past missions, many astronauts suffered from motion sickness, with symptoms of dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, headaches, and drowsiness. Although there is a drug to prevent motion sickness, many space travelers prefer not to take it. Motion sickness usually lasts about three days. Should serious medical problems arise, the mission specialist aboard the Shuttle can consult with a doctor who is always available at Mission Control in Houston.
Shuttle Orbiter Medical System
The three-part Shuttle Orbiter Medical System (SOMS) kit aboard the Space Shuttle helps the mission specialist treat both simple and serious illnesses. One part of the medical emergency kit has a stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, sutures, disposable thermometers, and medicines that can be injected. The second part of the kit contains adhesive tape, gauze bandages, adhesive bandages, and a variety of oral medicines. The third, an instrumentation pack, has a respirator, an intravenous fluid system, and a defibrillator.
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Last modified: Jan 10, 1995Author: Ken Jenks
Raymond J. Noonan, Ph.D. Health and Physical Education Department Fashion Institute of Technology of the State University of New York (FIT-SUNY); SexQuest/The Sex Institute, NYC P.O. Box 20166, New York, NY 10014 (212) 217-7460 |
Author of: R. J. Noonan. (1998). A Philosophical Inquiry into the Role of Sexology in Space Life Sciences Research and Human Factors Considerations for Extended Spaceflight. Dr. Ray Noonan’s Dissertation Information Pages: [Abstract] [Table of Contents] [Preface] [AsMA 2000 Presentation Abstract] |
First published on the Web on June 14, 1998