As humans prepare to explore more distant reaches of our solar system, the need for reliable medical monitoring and treatment increases with each mile traveled.
If an astronaut were to become ill on the Moon, about 250,000 miles away, or Mars, which ranges from about 35- to 250-million miles away, immediate treatment may be necessary, and a return trip to Earth might not be possible.
ZIN in partnership with NASA JSC and GRC the Exploration Medical Capabilities (ExMC) works with other scientists to evaluate commercially available medical technology for potential use in future exploration missions. The team recently tested HemoCue – a small blood-sampling device that counts white blood cells within minutes from a single fingerstick sample — aboard the International Space Station.
The demonstration showed accurate cell counts can be obtained in a microgravity environment. The ExMC’s mission includes advancing medical system design for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit and promoting human health and performance in space in collaboration with other scientists under the direction of NASA’s HRP.
These scientists evaluate various commercially available medical technologies developed on the ground to test them aboard the space station for potential use in future exploration space missions. ZIN Technologies was acquired by Voyager Space in March 2023.
