Guest: Dr. Thais Russomano; Topics: Human spaceflight challenges and Dr. Russomano' s new edited book "Into Space: A Journey of How Humans Adapt and Live in Microgravity." Please direct all comments and questions regarding specific Space Show programs & guest(s) to the Space Show blog which is part of archived program on our website, www.thespaceshow.com. Comments and questions should be relevant to the specific Space Show program. Written Transcripts of Space Show programs are a violation of our copyright and are not permitted without prior written consent, even if for your own use. We do not permit the commercial use of Space Show programs or any part thereof, nor do we permit editing, YouTube clips, or clips placed on other private channels & websites. Space Show programs can be quoted, but the quote must be cited or referenced using the proper citation format. Contact The Space Show for further information. In addition, please remember that your Amazon purchases can help support The Space Show/OGLF. See www.onegiantleapfoundation.org/amazon.htm.
We welcomed back Dr. Thais russomano for this two segment 97 discussion of her book, specific human spaceflight challenges and issues, space tourism concerns, decision making on going or doing more research plus other issues related to human factors for human spaceflight. During the first segment, our guest introduced us to her book, "Into Space: A Journey of How Humans Adapt and Live in Microgravity." This edited book can be freely downloaded at https://www.intechopen.com/books/into-space-a-journey-of-how-humans-adapt-and-live-in-microgravity. We extensively discussed two of the primary issues as explained by our guest, radiation and microgravity plus the chapters in the book that focused on those issues. Dr. Russomano received several email questions related to these two subject including one that asked if we should delay going to Mars for example to do more research and get better answers for human spaceflight safety. Don't miss how our guest answered this question.
Dr. Russomano focused on several additional issues during this segment including tumor development and issues pertaining to the central nervous system and intercranial pressure issues. She also responded to listener questions about existing mitigation strategies including astronaut exercise and radiation shielding. You might be surprised by what she said regarding these topics.
Before the end of the first segment, Linda asked about space settlement, children in a microgravity environment and issues regarding pregnancy and fetal development. Thais had much to say on this top as much was and is unknown. Our guest did go over some of the major concerns needing additional research. In doing this research, she talked about the limitations of simulations and analogs but did suggest some options. In addition, we talked about humans being genetically modified for spaceflight.
In the second segment we talked about the loss of a crew member via death or some other type of loss during the mission as group cultural dynamics were discussed. On earlier Space Show programs we have discussed the death of a crew member with options for dealing with the body. There have even been some innovative ideas from Europe on preserving the body for possible return and burial back on Earth. This discussion was followed by Ben asking about pre-emptive surgery for human spaceflight. Don't miss what our guest had to say about this idea.
Another important topic that was brought up focused on mental and psychological issues. This was an important discussion, especially as our guest examined both relationship and leadership problems. Don't miss all of what Dr. Russomano had to say on this topic. This was followed by Barbara asking if ethical issues and matters could be objective given different cultures and values. I asked Thais about Chapter 12 in the book which focused on ET. I asked if that was out of context with the rest of the book. She explained it was because perhaps we the humans might be the life outside or off Earth. I asked Thais for her own ideas on finding ET intelligent life in the solar system or beyond. You do not want to miss what she said about this subject. As we were nearing an end to the program, a listener asked if dementia could be brought on by human spaceflight or made worse. Our guest indicated research into this area was at the most basic level but was not sure there was a connection with spaceflight to dementia.
As we were coming up on the end of our discussion, Thais strongly suggested going to the Moon before going beyond, including Mars, to learn about human spaceflight. She said that had we remained on the Moon back in the 70's, just think of what our spaceflight knowledge would be like today given decades of learning and experience. Our guest then offered us concluding comments which you don't want to miss.
Please post your comments/questions on our blog for this show. You can reach Dr. Russomano through her book website, a quick Google search for her teaching presence at Kings College or through me.
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