Deep Space Applications for Point-of-Care Technologies

Abstract Deep space missions—such as a crewed voyage to Mars—will require a comprehensive medical care system to treat and maintain astronaut health. This system must address many of the same medical conditions that occur on Earth, as well as several that are unique to spaceflight environments. Hardware constraints are numerous, including mass, volume, usability by non-specialists, and minimal need for consumable supplies, all of which are also relevant to medical care in remote-, ambulatory- or home-care settings on Earth. This review describes the expected medical needs on deep space missions, outlines the current state-of-the-art of onboard medical capabilities, and highlights approaches and technologies that will likely be necessary to achieve autonomous healthcare for astronauts.