Paving the way to better understand the effects of prolonged spaceflight on operational performance and its neural bases

Abstract

Space exploration objectives will soon move from low Earth orbit to distant destinations like Moon and Mars. The present work provides an up-to-date roadmap that identifies critical research gaps related to human behavior and performance in altered gravity and space. The roadmap summarizes (1) key neurobehavioral challenges associated with spaceflight, (2) the need to consider sex as a biological variable, (3) the use of integrative omics technologies to elucidate mechanisms underlying changes in the brain and behavior, and (4) the importance of understanding the neural representation of gravity throughout the brain and its multisensory processing. We then highlight the need for a variety of target-specific countermeasures, and a personalized administration schedule as two critical strategies for mitigating potentially adverse effects of spaceflight on the central nervous system and performance. We conclude with a summary of key priorities for the roadmaps of current and future space programs and stress the importance of new collaborative strategies across agencies and researchers for fostering an integrative cross- and transdisciplinary approach from cells, molecules to neural circuits and cognitive performance. Finally, we highlight that space research in neurocognitive science goes beyond monitoring and mitigating risks in astronauts but could also have significant benefits for the population on Earth.

Gravity and Human Respiration: Biophysical Limitations in Mass Transport and Exchange in Space

“…Over the course of the last five to six decades, there has been considerable work trying to understand how spaceflight (radiation and microgravity) affects living systems, with special interest in human medicine [1][2][3] . Studies have shown that the spaceflight environment induces elevated CO2-levels and regional hypoxia in the human brain 2 , which has been linked to lower gray matter volume and changes in vestibular connectivity 4 . Spaceflight can also affect red blood cell mass through a process called 'neocytolysis', which selectively leads to hemolysis of young circulating red blood cells 5,6 .…”

Resonance tuning of rhythmic movements is disrupted at short time scales: A centrifuge study

“…Today, space exploration missions move from low orbit to distant destinations, including the Moon and Mars. These will inevitably face new challenges that will include not only neurobehavioural 5 but also more psychological aspects. 6 …”

Spaceflight Induces Strength Decline in Caenorhabditis elegans

“…As a species, we have been working and living in space for more than 60 years, with continuous occupation for the last 23 years via the International Space Station (ISS) [1]. During this time, we have discovered that spaceflight induces numerous physiologic alterations, including but not limited to muscle and bone loss, structural changes in the eyes and brain, altered cardiovascular function, and altered cognitive function [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. In some cases, we have developed effective countermeasures for these undesirable outcomes, but in other cases, understanding and countering the causes of these outcomes remain active areas of investigation.…”