An international research group with the participation of scientists from the University of Carlos III in Madrid (UC3M) and with the support of the Spanish Space Agency conducted a campaign of parabolic flights in Bordeaux (France). The purpose of the experiments is to develop medical countermeasures to protect the cardiovascular and visual systems of astronauts during long missions.
The Lower Body Negative Pressure technique has been tested (LBNP) - creation of negative pressure on the lower limbs to redistribute fluids from the head down. This technology can reduce risks, associated with microgravity: increased intracranial pressure, impaired vision and formation of blood clots.
During the flights, blood circulation in the neck area and other cardiovascular and ophthalmological parameters were evaluated. The obtained results are important not only for future missions to the Moon and Mars, but also for the development of therapies in the field of vascular diseases and rehabilitation of the cardiovascular system on Earth.
The project is marked by the active participation of Spanish scientists and the leadership of women in space medicine. ESA reserve astronaut Sara Garcia Alonso is among the participants, Director of the Spanish Space Agency, Isabel Vera Tragliero, representatives of UC3M, CIMA and the National Institute of Aerospace Technologies of Spain.
Partners from the USA and Europe also joined the initiative, including NASA, THIS, universities of California and Florida, Texas A&M University and Lockheed Martin, which emphasizes the global scale of cooperation.
Source: https://www.spacedaily.com