This week the USA based company Space X became the first private business to successfully resupply the International Space Station. In celebration of this achievement I’ve decided to write a brief article about medical technology used in space and how it affects space technology in Hospitals on Earth.
Remote Ultrasounds
The remote ultrasound system on the space station allows for the astronauts to conduct their own ultra sounds and then transmit the data to a live medical team on the ground.
The techniques being developed for space medicine are also being adopted in many hospitals on Earth.
Digital Holter ECG – records 24 hours electrocardiogram monitoring of cardiovascular and autonomic function of the astronauts.
Multi-Protocol Converter (MPC) protocol device that streamlines data into a readable format.
Passive Dosimeter for Lifescience Experiment in Space (PADLES) is a passive dosimeter.
Crew Health Care System (CHeCS)/Integrated Medical System
Countermeasure Systems – Exercise equipment with integrated monitoring devices to make sure the crew is healthy. This is designed to prevent or detect potential health issues for the crew.
Environmental Health System (EHS) – This system monitors the water and air for containments. Sort of like a smoke detector.
Health Maintenance System (HMS) – This is the emergency life support equipment.