Broadcast 931 (Special Edition)

Guest: Dr. Vadim Rygalov, Assistant Professor of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota, returned for this program to discuss stress and emotional, physiological, psychological and radiological issues for long duration space missions. Dr. Rygalov began the discussion by summarizing the key issues facing those experiencing long duration space missions and he explained why most of the research focuses on short mission, which is defined as less than 3-5 months long. Do not miss this discussion. One listener asked Dr. Rygalov about Valeri Polyakov, who holds the record for the most days spent in space. Not only did Dr. Rygalov comment on the Polyakov space experience, but he updated us on the medical issues faced by Polyakov even today. This is another part of this discussion that you do not want to miss. Another listener asked about the possible use of animals to do radiation experiments in space. Despite my flip comments about PETA to the rescue of the poor animals being selected for potential radiation, Dr. Rygalov addressed the issue and presented us with information about what might be learned and extrapolated from such experiments. He even commented on some countries that could undertake such experiments as he agreed with me that it would likely not be possible to do so in the United States. Many other listener questions covered many topics and issues facing those involved in long duration space missions. Vadim also addressed the issue of a one-way trip to Mars plus effective strategies to combat boredom. Dr. Rygalov, along with the Space Studies Department at the University of North Dakota, is taking a student trip to Russia this summer to visit the Russian space infrastructure and sites. Vadim will be the leader of the trip. Students get graduate school credit for the trip and its open to everyone, not just UND students. If you are interested, send a note to Vadim or me and it will be forwarded to the right person for you to talk with regarding the trip. If you want send a comment or ask Dr. Rygalov a question, please email him at vrygalov@space.edu. If you want to go through me, please use drspace@thespaceshow.com.