Startups and Investors Are Aiming for the Moon: Some Insights for Proposals

Outline

In this article, I examine the importance of providing healthcare for astronauts and the unique health challenges they may face while living and working on the moon. Additionally, I explore potential areas of interest for healthcare startups and investors, as well as provide insights and recommendations for creating comprehensive proposals in the field of space-based healthcare. A private databank -Genorglabs- of some investor organizations is used in this work.

Context

“The future [of aerospace medicine] is bright,”?according to Joe Dervay, MD, a flight surgeon for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. The reason is the emergence of?China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), the United States’ program called the Artemis Program, and private initiatives such as ICON and SpaceX,?among others. Doctor Emmanuel Urquieta, an assistant professor at the Center for Space Medicine and chief medical officer at the Translational Research Institute for Space Health at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, corroborates this trend.?

What is Aerospace Medicine?

Aerospace medicine concerns the determination and maintenance of the health, safety, and performance of people involved in air and space travel. This diverse field of endeavor presents dynamic challenges and opportunities for professionals such as physicians, nurses, physiologists, bioenvironmental engineers, industrial hygienists, environmental health practitioners, human factors specialists, psychologists, and other professionals.?

Funding

Until recently, primarily NASA and other federal agencies provided funding for undertakings of this magnitude. For geopolitical and economic reasons, private space organizations are now in demand to provide logistics and services to achieve moon initiatives for governments and their objectives. This suggests that for the well-being of the workforce (astronauts), similar to that of our planet, the provision of healthcare will be deemed imperative, albeit in a more challenging setting. This is the area of focus for some startups and private investors.

The Health Challenges of Living on the Moon

The Aerospace Medical Association, NASA, and some universities, like the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, have studied whether living on the moon would pose health risks, such as:

• Muscle and bone loss: The moon’s gravity is only one-sixth of Earth’s, which means that the body would not have to work as hard to support itself. This could lead to muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, increasing the risk of fractures and injuries. To prevent this, astronauts would need to exercise regularly and take supplements to maintain their muscle and bone mass.
• Radiation exposure: The moon has no atmosphere or magnetic field to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays and cosmic rays from outer space. This means that astronauts would be exposed to high levels of radiation, which could damage their DNA and increase their risk of cancer and other diseases. To protect themselves, astronauts would need to wear special suits and helmets and stay in shielded habitats or underground tunnels.
• Psychological stress: Living on the moon would be a very isolating and demanding experience, with limited communication and interaction with Earth and other crew members. This could cause psychological stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. To cope with this, astronauts would need to have access to mental health support such as counseling, meditation, and entertainment.
• Environmental hazards: The moon’s surface is covered with dust and rocks that could pose a threat to the astronauts and their equipment. The dust could irritate the eyes, lungs, and skin and damage the electronics and mechanical parts of the vehicles and habitats. The rocks could cause punctures and abrasions and create obstacles for navigation. To avoid this, astronauts would need to wear protective gear and clean their equipment regularly.

The Healthcare Needs of a Lunar Base

To address these health challenges, a lunar base would require a comprehensive healthcare system capable of providing the following services:

• Preventive care: This would include regular health screenings, vaccinations, nutrition, and hygiene to prevent diseases and infections. It would also include physical and mental exercises, supplements, and medications to prevent muscle and bone loss, radiation damage, and psychological stress.
• Diagnostic care: This would include advanced tools and technologies to monitor and measure the vital signs, blood tests, and imaging of the astronauts. It would also include artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze the data and detect any anomalies or signs of illness.
• Therapeutic care: This would include emergency, trauma, and routine treatments, such as surgery, wound care, infection control, and pain management. It would also include telemedicine and telehealth to connect the astronauts with doctors and specialists on Earth for consultation and guidance.?
• Quarantine and Containment Protocols: Implementing quarantine and containment protocols is critical to preventing the spread of infectious diseases among the inhabitants. This is particularly important in the confined space of a moon base.
• Rehabilitative care: This would include physical and occupational therapy, prosthetics, and assistive devices to help the astronauts recover from injuries and disabilities. It would also include psychological and social support, such as counseling, coaching, and peer groups, to help the astronauts cope with the emotional and behavioral effects of living on the moon.?
• Medical Waste Management: Establishing proper protocols for the disposal of medical waste is indispensable to prevent contamination and maintain overall hygiene.

Areas of Interest that Investors and Healthcare Startups are Looking For.

The medical requirements for a lunar base offer a unique opportunity for medical start-ups to develop novel approaches that could enhance the lives and achievements of lunar explorers. Some potential areas for healthcare innovation and investments are:

• Wearable and implantable devices: These could include sensors, trackers, stimulators, and pumps that could monitor and regulate the physiological and psychological functions of the astronauts. For example, a wearable device could measure the heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation of the astronaut and alert them if there is any abnormality. An implantable device could deliver drugs or hormones to the astronaut and adjust the dosage according to their needs.
• Biomedical engineering and biotechnology: These could include tissue engineering, organ printing, gene editing, and stem cell therapy that could repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues and organs of the astronauts. For example, a biomedical engineer could use a 3D printer to create a synthetic skin graft for an astronaut who suffered a burn injury. A biotechnologist could use gene editing to modify the astronaut’s cells to make them more resistant to radiation.
• Digital health and telehealth: These could include software, platforms, and apps that could collect, store, and analyze the health data of the astronauts and provide them with personalized and timely feedback, recommendations, and interventions. For example, a digital health app could track the sleep patterns of the astronauts and suggest the optimal time and duration for them to rest. A telehealth platform could connect astronauts with a doctor on Earth and allow them to have a video consultation and prescription.
• Virtual reality and augmented reality: These could include devices, systems, and environments that could create immersive and interactive simulations of the real or imagined world for the astronauts. For example, a virtual reality device could transport the astronaut to relaxing and soothing scenery, such as a beach or a forest, and help them reduce their stress and anxiety. An augmented reality device could overlay useful information and instructions on the astronaut’s vision, such as the route to their destination or the steps to perform a task.?
• Pharmacy, Medical Supplies, and Disposal of Medical Waste:?The healthcare facility should have a well-stocked pharmacy with various medications and medical supplies to address different health needs. Resupplies from Earth or a space station will be required, as well as the disposal of waste.

Insights for the Proposals?

If you're a healthcare startup, you'll need to address the unique challenges and requirements associated with space-based healthcare. Here are steps you can take to create a comprehensive proposal:

1. Understand the Space Environment:?Research and understand the specific challenges of healthcare in a space environment. Consider factors like microgravity, radiation exposure, limited resources, and the potential psychological impact of living in isolation.

2. Collaborate with Space Agencies and Experts:?Seek collaboration with space agencies, aerospace engineers, and experts in space medicine. Building a team with knowledge of space-related challenges will strengthen your proposal.

3. Telemedicine and Communication Solutions:?Highlight the importance of telemedicine solutions for remote healthcare delivery. Propose advanced telecommunication systems that enable real-time consultations with Earth-based medical professionals.

4. Compact and Portable Medical Equipment:?Develop or suggest compact and portable medical equipment that can function effectively in a confined space. Consider the limitations of weight and space on a spacecraft.

5. Biomedical Monitoring Technologies:?Integrate advanced biomedical monitoring technologies to track the health of astronauts continuously. This includes wearable devices, sensors, and monitoring systems that can provide real-time health data.

6. AI and Data Analytics:?Incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to process large datasets and identify potential health issues early. Predictive analytics can be crucial for preventive healthcare in a space environment.

7. Emergency Response and Life Support Systems:?Develop comprehensive emergency response systems, including medical kits, life support systems, and protocols for handling medical emergencies in space. Emphasize the ability to manage trauma and critical care situations.

8. Mental Health and Well-Being Solutions:?Propose mental health support programs, including virtual counseling sessions and recreational activities, designed to mitigate the psychological challenges of living in isolation.

9. Training Programs:?Offer training programs for astronauts to enhance their medical skills. Include modules on basic healthcare, first aid, and the operation of medical equipment to ensure the crew's ability to address health issues in the absence of immediate Earth-based support.

10. Sustainability and Resource Management:?Address sustainability by proposing efficient resource management, waste disposal solutions, and strategies to optimize the use of limited resources on the moon.

11. Regulatory Compliance:?Ensure that your proposal considers any regulatory and ethical considerations related to space-based healthcare. Collaborate with relevant authorities to navigate legal and ethical requirements.

12. Cost Analysis and Budgeting:?Provide a detailed cost analysis and budget plan for the proposed healthcare facility. Demonstrate cost-effectiveness and efficiency in the deployment and operation of healthcare solutions.

13. Timeline and Milestones:?Outline a realistic timeline for the development, testing, and deployment of your healthcare solutions on the moon. Define clear milestones to demonstrate progress.

14. Partnerships and Funding:?Seek partnerships with aerospace companies, space agencies, or other relevant entities. Clearly outline your funding requirements and potential sources of investment or collaboration.

Finally, it is imperative, due to the trends in aerospace medicine, that your proposal be tailored to the distinct requirements and obstacles of a moon healthcare facility or a component thereof. Furthermore, it should emphasize how your healthcare startup can contribute to the well-being of the lunar populace. Investors will examine these data points among other dimensions of the organization's capabilities.

Sources:

“Field of Space Medicine Lifts Off” Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) July 2023 URL: https://www.aamc.org/news/field-space-medicine-lifts

“Translational Research Institute for Space Health” Baylor College of Medicine URL: https://www.bcm.edu/academic-centers/space-medicine/translational-research-institute

“China's Lunar Base Project: Beijing's Key Ally In S. America” Eurasian Times URL: https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinas-lunar-base-project-beijings-key-ally-in-s-america/

“Space Investment Shifts from GEO to LEO and Now Beyond” McKinsey & Company URL: https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/aerospace-and-defense/our-insights/space-investment-shifts-from-geo-to-leo-and-now-beyond

"Space Living", The New York Times URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/12/magazine/space-living.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

Space Exploration and Economic Growth: New issues and horizons, Luisa Corrado, Maureen Cropper, and Akhil Rao, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Volume 120, Issue 43 Oct 2023

Geneorglabs (a private databank of some investor organizations)