NASA's impact on medical innovation: Breakthrough technologies from space research

Abstract

Outer space is an austere environment filled with unique and potentially dangerous stressors that can impact the physiologic function of astronauts during and after their stay above the atmosphere. Within 24 h of flight, astronauts may experience nausea and malaise, coined space motion sickness, due to vestibular and ocular sensory mismatch and changes in cranial and other fluid pressures. Although temporary, long-lasting conditions also arise. Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome is associated optic disc edema, globe flattening, and hyperopic refractive error shifts, and may lead to permanent structural changes. In addition, astronauts during space flight can lose up to 30 % of their muscle mass and 8–12 % of bone density. Some of these changes require months of rehabilitation and adaptation to make a full recovery. Radiation and secondary cellular alterations can lead to carcinogenesis, microbiome shifts, and immunological dysfunction. To combat these changes, NASA has continually researched ways to improve the spaceflight experience. New spin off technology from NASA to address these astronaut health concerns often find their way into the terrestrial consumer and healthcare markets. This paper aims to identify NASA associated breakthroughs in medical innovation including cutting-edge technology created for laser tracking of ballistic missiles, durable polymers for high-speed air travel, refractive eye surgery, and cardiac resynchronization devices.