NASA Uses New Tool to Assess Health Risks for Space Missions

NASA developed the Integrated Medical Model to forecast health risks for Moon and Mars missions.

As NASA gears up for crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, they are prioritizing astronaut health with the Integrated Medical Model. This innovative tool forecasts health risks using medical evidence and computational modeling. It draws on a wealth of data, including flight records and clinical research found in NASA's Integrated Medical Evidence Database. Among its capabilities, the model uses Monte Carlo simulations to explore thousands of potential mission paths, adjusting for variables like crew size and flight duration. The model evaluates over 100 medical conditions such as decompression and radiation sickness. It provides metrics like Total Medical Events and Crew Health Index, offering critical support for mission planning.