Online Human Space Physiology Training Course 2021 prepares University students to support future space exploration endeavours

Each is currently studying for a Bachelor or Masters degree in medicine, life sciences, biological sciences, or a biomedicine-related subject. Offering their unique perspectives were 19 experts from ESA and various research institutes and universities from across Europe.

The course began with students learning about the history of human spaceflight, before moving onto the International Space Station’s life support systems. They discovered how the environment of space differs from that on Earth, and the challenges that astronauts have faced in the past; and how the lessons learned have influenced current and future space exploration.

With that grounding under their belts, the students dived into how specific physiological systems respond to being in space, including the immunological, cardiovascular, muscle and skeletal systems. This was then complimented by discussion of how medical support is provided in space including key considerations such as nutrition and exercise, as well as how human physiology research is conducted both in space and on Earth-based analogues.

“This course was really a wonderful experience,” said a German student from Heidelberg University.  “A very nice balance of lectures took us on a journey across many different topics covering space physiology and beyond. As a student who only recently started to think about a career in space science, this was the perfect opportunity to glimpse all the aspects involved, as well as meeting experts and like-minded people.”

The second week of the course was dedicated to group projects. In teams of four or five, the students were challenged to tackle ‘hot topics’ surrounding the future of human spaceflight beyond the International Space Station, to the Lunar Gateway and ultimately to long-term missions on the Lunar surface. The students were also encouraged to create their own team badge, similar to ESA space mission patches To create a strong team environment, and to allow artistic creativity to flourish!

Example group project topics included:

• One-Size-Fits-All?
  Evaluating the operational impact of imposing crewmember size restrictions for the Lunar Gateway.
• Far Away First Aid
  Designing a medical kit appropriate for 30-day missions to the Lunar Gateway.
• Sense of Perspective
  Identifying potential issues and approaches to support safe, productive vehicle operations on the Moon’s surface.
• MoonGym Bunnies
  Considering exercise methods suitable for the low gravity experienced by astronauts on the Lunar surface.
• Lunar Lifestyle
  Defining key life support infrastructure required to support health, wellbeing, and effectiveness during permanent habitation of a Lunar Village.

During the training course the students had an incredible opportunity: meeting ESA astronaut Thomas Reiter! A Q&A session gave them the chance to quiz Thomas about his own spaceflight experiences. His stories resonated with the students, highlighting the importance of what they had learnt during their time on the course.

Before they knew it, the final day had arrived. The students were asked to present their group project findings, discussing their thoughts and innovative solutions to the problems that will be faced by future astronauts. The project tutors were thoroughly impressed, and even learned a few new things themselves!

"It was an honour to have been accepted into this course,” enthused a Portuguese student from the University of Lisbon. “Having speakers with different backgrounds was very enriching and motivating, making it possible to learn how different sciences are connected and can contribute to human exploration in space. I loved discovering the importance of engineering and technology, and also how space exploration will evolve over the coming decades. I’ve always been interested in space medicine and this course has shown that there is still a lot to discover. Thank you, ESA, for this fantastic experience!"

To find more information about upcoming and future ESA Academy training opportunities, please check the Current Opportunities or contact us at tlp@esa.int