“Our technological sector is also well placed to offer specialised support, with a track record of innovation.
“Australian experience has driven advances in radiation protection, wearable sensors and compression suits worn by astronauts to limit the musculoskeletal effects of microgravity.”
Dr John Cherry, a director from the Australasian Society of Aerospace Medicine said Australia is in a strong position to support long duration human spaceflight missions.
“We are world leaders in rural and remote healthcare, with experience delivering care in some of the most extreme and isolated environments on earth,” he said.
“The Australian Antarctic Program for example has developed specialised training and technology to enable a generalist doctor to provide medical, surgical, anaesthetic and dental care to an isolated team.
“Many of the challenges faced in these settings will be experienced by astronauts and space agencies as human spaceflight extends further into space.”
Jim said the Australian space medicine community is keen to see the medical progress as a result of the upcoming space explorations.
“It’s anticipated that some of the lessons learned in space will deliver benefits back on earth and help to drive improvements in health outcomes.
“For instance, the new knowledge around the deconditioning of astronauts in space could help doctors managing patients with deconditioning after long periods in hospital.”