NASA plans to conduct a set of human health and performance studies during the SpaceX Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station, with a renewed focus on the relationship between weightlessness, blood flow, and clot formation, alongside tests of manual piloting skills, vision, physical fitness, and the forces experienced during the return to Earth.
The mission includes cooperation with the European Space Agency, ESA, through the Venous Haemostasis study, which combines previous research measurements on circulation in space within a joint protocol. Coordinating blood draws and physiological data will reduce the number of times astronauts must provide samples while providing more integrated measurements to understand the effects of microgravity on clotting and circulation.
Clots and Changes in Circulation
Before, during, and after the flight, participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging, jugular vein ultrasound, blood pressure measurements, and blood tests. The results aim to identify the causes of differences in responses among astronauts and develop preventive procedures for crew members at greater risk. Researchers also hope that the resulting knowledge will help improve the prevention and treatment of clots in space and on Earth.
Testing Piloting and Vision
The Manual Piloting study uses a lunar-landing simulation to test astronauts’ ability to handle difficult landing operations after long periods in microgravity. The study examines the effects of changes in sensory systems, balance, and motion control when transitioning between different gravity environments. It also tests whether pre-landing activation training improves decision-making and performance.
NASA is also continuing the B-Complex study, which examines the ability of daily B-vitamin supplements to reduce or prevent spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome, known as SANS, a condition that may alter the structure of an astronaut’s eye during long-duration missions. Participants will undergo vision tests and take the supplements before, during, and after the flight, with an assessment of their potential effect on vascular functions.
Data for Designing Future Missions
Additional studies include Standard Measures, which collects standardized physiological and behavioral data; Spacecraft Occupant Risk, which measures the forces astronauts experience during landing and improves equipment and procedures that limit injuries; and Zero T2, which compares data from astronauts who use a treadmill for aerobic exercise aboard the station with data from those who do not use one.
Comparing these exercises may help develop fitness plans for Artemis and deep-space exploration missions, particularly in situations where spacecraft space may limit or completely prevent the use of a treadmill.
Why Does This News Matter?
The value of the Crew-13 program is not limited to collecting additional medical data; the studies directly connect specific health and performance problems with the requirements of landing and long-duration missions. NASA says the results will support efforts to send humans to the Moon, work at a lunar base, and then carry out future missions to Mars. However, the source does not yet provide final results from the studies, and the effectiveness of B vitamins or clot-prevention procedures will still need to be evaluated based on the measurements produced during and after the flight.