As commercial spaceflight becomes increasingly viable, maintaining astronaut health is paramount. Space travel presents unique physiological challenges, and over the years, biological data from astronauts have revealed significant insights into the pathologies associated with space environments. Notable findings include venous thromboembolism, spaceflight-induced anaemia, and the increased virulence of certain pathogens, all of which pose considerable risks during long-duration space missions.
Australia, with its growing expertise in biomedical research and space sciences, is positioned to play a critical role in advancing space life sciences. However, a major opportunity lies in the development and maintenance of a comprehensive biobank. This biobank could serve as a repository of biological samples from space travellers, enabling researchers to delve deeper into understanding the biological effects of space travel. By leveraging these untapped strengths and facilitating collaborative research across the globe, Australia can contribute significantly to safeguarding the health of space explorers.
This presentation will explore these key findings, highlighting the importance of biobanks and the crucial role they can play in advancing space medicine.