NASA’s upcoming Lunar Gateway space station will include cutting-edge technology to monitor astronauts’ health in deep space. One key innovation is the Astroskin smart garment, a wearable device designed to track vital signs in real-time. Developed by Canadian company Hexoskin, this advanced health-monitoring undershirt will support astronauts on missions far beyond Earth’s orbit.
Astroskin: Health Monitoring Redefined
The Astroskin wearable is made from elastane, a stretchable fabric, and equipped with six sensors to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, skin temperature, breathing rate, and activity levels. Data collected is sent to a computer app where AI algorithms analyze it for anomalies or potential health risks.
Initially tested on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2019, the Astroskin shirt has since been used in various space missions. Its smart design eliminates the need for adhesive sensors, providing a comfortable and efficient way to gather critical health data.
Adapting for Lunar Missions
Deep-space missions, such as those planned for NASA’s Lunar Gateway, present unique challenges. Astronauts face higher radiation levels and communication delays compared to missions on the ISS. The Astroskin device will undergo significant upgrades to meet these demands.
“The Lunar Gateway will be about 1,000 times farther from Earth than the ISS,” said Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, CEO of Hexoskin. “Radiation is a big factor when designing electronics. We need to ensure the components can withstand these conditions.”
The Lunar Gateway’s environment also imposes strict cargo constraints. Hexoskin plans to enhance the device’s capabilities, including processing power, while maintaining its compact and efficient design.
Monitoring Astronauts in Deep Space
Lunar missions expose astronauts to significantly higher radiation levels. On the ISS, astronauts absorb 50 to 2,000 millisieverts of ionizing radiation per mission—equivalent to 150 to 6,000 chest X-rays. Exposure on the Lunar Gateway could be ten times higher. The Astroskin shirt will play a crucial role in monitoring and managing these risks.
According to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the updated Astroskin will seamlessly fit into astronauts’ daily routines. It will provide valuable insights into how human bodies respond to lunar orbit conditions, contributing to long-term health and safety strategies.
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A Versatile Innovation Beyond Space
Hexoskin first introduced Astroskin in 2009 for preventative healthcare. It was initially developed to assist in medical research for chronic conditions like cardiac and respiratory diseases. The technology has since been tested in extreme environments, including simulated Mars missions on Earth and expeditions to Antarctica. It has also been used by first responders and pilots in high-stress roles.
Fournier highlights the dual impact of space innovation: “The work we do in space pushes the limits of engineering and product design. We then apply this technology to benefit people on Earth.”
Looking Ahead: Astroskin on the Lunar Gateway
The Astroskin undershirt is expected to reach the Lunar Gateway during NASA’s Artemis 4 mission in 2028 or 2029. The station’s first modules, the Power and Propulsion Element and the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, will launch in 2027 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
This wearable technology, developed for the harsh conditions of space, represents a leap forward in health monitoring. Its potential to improve astronaut safety and transform healthcare on Earth underscores the power of innovation inspired by exploration.
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