NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Over time, the human body has evolved in response to the unique characteristics of the Earth environment. Space travel takes the human body out of its natural habitat and places it into an unknown and sometimes harsh environment. One of HRP’s primary activities is the study of the human physiological response to space travel and exploration.

HRP researchers and engineers study the human body, how it responds to different conditions, and to the situations that can arise during space exploration. Scientists use these findings to develop and test countermeasures that can reduce or reverse the potentially harmful impacts of the space environment. The major areas of HRP’s physiological research include bone health, muscle function, cardiovascular response, sensorimotor systems, immunology, and behavioral health.

The human body is a remarkably complex assembly of systems. To carry out even the simplest task requires the input and cooperation of a highly orchestrated set of subsystems, such as nerves, bones, muscles, organs, and tissues. Scientists and engineers have dedicated decades of study to understanding the limits, constraints, and challenges that face the human body in the environment of space.

Physiology

Bone Health

Muscle Function

Cardiovascular Response

Sensorimotor

Immunology

Behavioral Health & Performance