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Physical and Bioenvironmental Aspects of Human Space Flight

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Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight

Abstract

This chapter is intended as an overview of the basic body of information required of the space medicine practitioner to understand the adaptive and operational environment of space flyers. An understanding of the physiologic and medical implications of this environment enables the practitioner to provide optimal medical support. This information should provide a foundation for discussions of physiologic and psychological processes associated with space flight and allow the response to medical events to be placed in proper context. Understanding this context also prepares the spaceflight surgeon to serve as a consultant in space program organizations, where human needs must fit into mission parameters and priorities.

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Suggested Reading

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to once again thank Drs. Stanley Love and Kevin Ford, explorers, scientists, and literary critics for thoughtful reviews. Also thanks to Dr. Bernard Adelstein for guidance on vibration factors in space flight.

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  1. NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Michael R. Barratt

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  1. Michael R. Barratt
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Correspondence to Michael R. Barratt .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Michael R. Barratt

  2. Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Ellen S. Baker

  3. Deceased, Formerly Chief, Medical Sciences Division, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Sam L. Pool

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Barratt, M.R. (2019). Physical and Bioenvironmental Aspects of Human Space Flight. In: Barratt, M., Baker, E., Pool, S. (eds) Principles of Clinical Medicine for Space Flight. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-9889-0_1

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