Medical aspects of Human Space Exploration

Since 15 years we have, with the International Space Station (ISS), a permanent presence in space. ISS will continue to operate for at least a decade and additional stations will follow, initially with the new Chinese space station. However, the activities in Lower Earth Orbit is to a large extent stepping stones for further ventures into deep space, to the moon and Mars. One significant challenge, with many open questions, is how to ensure health and optimal performance of the crew in the harsh environment of long-duration spaceflight. This seminar will provide an overview of these challenges, and ways these could be answered.