Five major problems of space medicine

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This study has been undertaken primarily to enumerate the most basic and most commonly encountered problems which are inherent in the field of space medicine. The information presented in this study was taken from literature which has been written between 1950 and the early part of 1963. More recent literature has been published on this subject, but most of it is very specific and does not concern itself with these basic problems as does the earlier literature. The problems which are dealt with are problems which will exist in any type of space flight or space existence. The materials used in this study consist of general reference books, books specifically related to the subject, and journals which are significant in the field of science.

Findings and Conclusions: The science of space medicine is very young and very little actual experience dealing with its problems has been encountered. However, in the past few years, the realization of these has become much more apparent and some of them have been remedied through extensive study and experimentation. The most important problem in the field of space medicine is that of maintaining a suitable and functional environment for man as he investigates the realm of space. It has been proven that man can exist in space for short periods of time and do so in relative comfort. Man cannot however, function in his full capacity at present because of the many limits imposed upon him by the planktonic existence in space. The invitation to intrigue which exists in space will doubtless lead mam farther and farther into its expanses and more information will most certainly accompany him. New problems are inevitable, but these basic problems studied will always be present and will manifest themselves at any point outside the protective atmosphere of the earth.