White Space: Applications of Research and Development Derived from Space Flight Analogues for Developing Solutions for Global Health Worldwide. Concordia, Antarctica Case Study

Abstract

This chapter provides an account of the scientific research conducted at the Concordia Antarctic research station also known as “White Mars”. Many technologies tested at Concordia can both enable future manned missions on planetary surfaces, but also support technology transfer activities on Earth. For example innovative Life Support Systems are today providing clean water in Morocco, in a similar fashion to the recycling of water on the International Space Station and at Concordia. Similarly the medical and procedural know-how acquired during space analogue missions, could be shared to provide telemedicine solutions in developing countries. Finally this contribution highlights the challenges of living and working in a remote and isolated continent, in a small international team, providing critical lessons learned for future space exploration ventures.