Space Medicine: Scope, Progress and Applicability to Other Medical Fields

Abstract

Significant contributions to medical knowledge can be expected as a result of research and development in space medicine. Information about radiation, greater knowledge of physiologic responses, and improved bioinstrumentation and analysis and data storage technics are examples. Developments in bioinstrumentation may be the key to earlier diagnosis of many pathologic states. The major problems attending the medical support of man in space are reviewed, and the progress of space medicine as a national program is summarized.