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Human Subsystems

JSC puts the human in human spaceflight. We lead the development, testing, integration, and certification of human subsystems critical for crew health and enhancing spacecraft operation and safety. We have unparalleled expertise in life support systems, crew interfaces, food systems, exercise systems, medical care, and behavioral support, enabling a human presence across our solar system. Engage our experts and capabilities by exploring the links below.

Life Support ​Subsystems

JSC excels in testing and evaluation, integration, prototype development, flight hardware certification and consultation for critical elements such as carbon dioxide removal, oxygen generation, water recovery, temperature regulation and waste management, essential for sustaining life during extended missions in the inhospitable environment of space.

Spacesuit engineers demonstrate how four crew members would be arranged for launch inside the Orion spacecraft, using a mockup of the vehicle at Johnson Space Center in Houston on Oct. 24, 2014.

Crew Interfaces ​ 

For human spaceflight, how humans interact with vehicles and interfaces is a high priority. JSC’s crew interface capabilities encompass a wide range of expertise and facilities focused on enhancing spacecraft design, operation, and safety.

Food & Nutrition​ 

JSC experts provide food and nutrition systems that maintain the health and optimal performance of crewmembers during spaceflight and upon return to Earth.

Expedition 70 Flight Engineer and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa works out on the Advanced Resisitive Exercise Device located (ARED) in the International Space Station's Tranquility module. The ARED is designed to mimic the inertial forces generated when lifting free weights on Earth.

Exercise Countermeasures​ 

JSC provides research, engineering, development, integration, and testing of hardware and software technologies for exercise systems applications in support of human spaceflight.

Muscles on Chips in Space

Pharmacology & Medical​ 

JSC provides specialized primary medical care for astronauts and biomedical engineering support for all human spaceflight mission operations including protocols, contingency plans, crew health standards, and training.

Behavioral Support​

JSC’s behavioral support experts are an integral part of advancing human spaceflight by understanding the psychological and behavioral response of humans to extreme environments.

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