Space doctors in the virtual house – the sequel
In brief
ESA’s second online Space Physician Training Course (SPTC) took place from 18 – 19 January 2022, attracting almost 60 participants from across Europe and the world.
In-depth
Usually conducted in person at ESA’s European Astronaut Centre (EAC) in Cologne, Germany, Covid-19 regulations meant it was held online for the second year running. This enabled participation by doctors around the globe.
The course began with a welcome from the head of ESA’s space medicine team Guillaume Weerts as participants were given a general introduction to the work of ESA, and specifically EAC. In the two days that followed, they went on to discuss the impact of space conditions on the human body, and the countermeasures being developed and that are already in place to mitigate this.
Participants were given first-hand insight into the realities of space medical operations by ESA flight surgeon Filippo Castrucci, and how this is organised across the International Space Station programme by David Green. Other lectures dealt with the assessment of the risk of space radiation beyond low-Earth orbit, the role of psychological assessment in astronaut selection, and psychological support of astronauts during their missions.
ESA space medicine team members David Green, Mareike Morawietz and Lena Ziehfreund organised the course and were delighted with the questions from participants and level of engagement.
“Coordinating an online course like this is a challenge, but so is supporting astronauts during their missions to space,” David explains. “In fact, medical support is provided to our crew on the International Space Station via extensive use of telecommunications, and so an online course is strangely appropriate.
Additional course highlights included a question-and-answer session with former ESA astronaut and EAC lead Frank De Winne who shared his perspective on life in space, and a thought-provoking presentation by former head of the ESA space medicine team Volker Damann who challenged participants to consider the future of space medicine in low-Earth-orbit and beyond.
While the online format was a success, David and Mareike hope to welcome participants back to EAC for the next SPTC to enable face-to-face interaction, practical sessions, and tours of facilities unique to the Centre. This course is likely to be held in January 2023. Stay tuned for the next call for applications in autumn 2022.
