Maximizing information from space data resources: a case for expanding integration across research disciplines

Abstract

Regulatory systems are affected in space by exposure to weightlessness, high-energy radiation or other spaceflight-induced changes. The impact of spaceflight occurs across multiple scales and systems. Exploring such interactions and interdependencies via an integrative approach provides new opportunities for elucidating these complex responses. This paper argues the case for increased emphasis on integration, systematically archiving, and the coordination of past, present and future space and ground-based analogue experiments. We also discuss possible mechanisms for such integration across disciplines and missions. This article then introduces several discipline-specific reviews that show how such integration can be implemented. Areas explored include: adaptation of the central nervous system to space; cerebral autoregulation and weightlessness; modelling of the cardiovascular system in space exploration; human metabolic response to spaceflight; and exercise, artificial gravity, and physiologic countermeasures for spaceflight. In summary, spaceflight physiology research needs a conceptual framework that extends problem solving beyond disciplinary barriers. Administrative commitment and a high degree of cooperation among investigators are needed to further such a process. Well-designed interdisciplinary research can expand opportunities for broad interpretation of results across multiple physiological systems, which may have applications on Earth.

Short-arm human centrifugation with 0.4g at eye and 0.75g at heart level provides similar cerebrovascular and cardiovascular responses to standing

“…Weightlessness instantaneously removes physical processes that depend on weight for their effect, and introduces physiological issues including impaired cardiovascular control functions and cerebral autoregulation (Blaber et al 2013a, b;Goswami et al 2013), as well as reduced musculoskeletal and sensorimotor system performance.…”

The effects of varying gravito-inertial stressors on grip strength and hemodynamic responses in men and women

“…Orthostatic intolerance remains a problem upon return to Earth from the microgravity environment of spaceflight (Goswami et al 2013; Blaber et al 2013). Almost every astronaut returning from space exhibits symptoms of cardiovascular deconditioning (Blaber et al 2011).…”

“…The cardiovascular system responds rapidly to changes of the gravitational vector within the body (Goswami et al 2013). On terrestrial environments, changing posture from lying position to standing up and lying down again imparts varying gravitational loading on the body.…”

Effect of Orthostasis on Endothelial Function: A Gender Comparative Study

“…Failure to maintain mean arterial blood pressure can lead to reduced cerebral blood flow, which can precipitate dizziness or even syncope in susceptible (orthostatic intolerant) individuals, and astronauts returning to Earth. Numerous mechanisms appear to underlie orthostatic intolerance (see 1). For instance, returning astronauts appear to a have reduced plasma volume, possibly secondary to the cephalad shift of fluid associated with microgravity exposure including reduced baroreflex sensitivity [2].…”