Innovation in Medical Space Technology

Space exploration is rapidly advancing beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), pushing the frontiers of human spaceflight deeper into the cosmos. As we venture further, it becomes crucial to address the unique challenges posed by long-duration space missions, particularly in areas affecting astronaut health and well-being. The numerous challenges include exposure to cosmic radiation, microgravity effects on physical health, psychological stress, and the scarcity of immediate medical support. These issues highlight the essential role of space medical technology in ensuring astronaut safety and resilience during deep space exploration journeys.

This Research Topic aims to confront and overcome the pivotal issues in space medical technology and to deepen our capacity to mitigate health risks inherent to extended space ventures. Through collaboration among top researchers and practitioners, the goal is to innovate and refine medical strategies, technologies, and systems that will bolster medical care for astronauts, supporting their well-being during prolonged space travel. This endeavor not only seeks to advance technological capabilities but also to set new standards for health maintenance in the harsh conditions of deep space.

To gather further insights in space medical technology and ensure astronaut well-being over the long term, we welcome a range of articles focusing on, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Advances in telemedicine solutions for remote diagnosis and treatments in space.
• Development of onsite diagnostic tools for continuous monitoring of astronaut health.
• Enhancements in life support technologies for safety and comfort on long missions.
• Novel pharmacological methods tailored for spaceborne environments.
• Biomedical engineering innovations specially designed for sustained human spaceflight.
• Cutting-edge medical technologies to support disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in deep space conditions.

By promoting collaborative research and knowledge sharing, this Research Topic aims to foster innovative solutions and inspire advancements crucial for the sustainability and safety of deep space human exploration.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: human spaceflight, healthcare, space medicine, space exploration, biomedical engineering, innovation

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.