Artemis II Aims to Uncover Space Travel Hazards

Before four astronauts embarked on their Artemis II mission to the moon, each of them carried a small piece of themselves aboard. Incubated in a compact triangular container, four USB-size “avatars” accompanied the crew on this significant journey. However, their exploration is merely starting.

These avatars, termed organ chips, consist of bone marrow tissue created from cells donated by the astronauts—NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Researchers advocate that this experiment could provide unprecedented insights into the effects of space travel on human health.

The AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response) study enables scientists to simulate the impact on astronauts’ organs during deep space flights. This methodology offers a finer analysis of bodily changes compared to traditional post-flight medical assessments, as highlighted by Lisa Carnell, Director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division.

Focusing on bone marrow allows researchers to examine the crew’s immune responses to the challenges of deep space, including increased radiation exposure. Such findings may lead to personalised treatments, facilitating longer missions further into space.

Carnell stated that different astronauts may exhibit varying responses to space radiation, implying the potential need for tailored medical kits. The objective is to prepare astronauts for longer durations in space, ensuring their health and wellbeing.

Carnell further expressed a desire to send avatars of astronauts selected for extended missions before their actual launches, to anticipate any health issues that might arise far from Earth. As the AVATAR project unfolds, the Artemis II crew is also working on collecting essential data throughout their mission, which continues post-return to Earth.

How much do you know?

What is the main purpose of the avatars carried by the astronauts on the Artemis II mission?

To entertain the crew

To provide insights into human health during space travel

To serve as communication devices

To replace human organs

What does AVATAR stand for?

Astronaut Vital And Tissue Assessment Report

A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response

Astrophysical Validation and Technology Assessment Research

Aero-Vehicle Astronaut Tissue Analysis Record

Which astronauts are mentioned as part of the Artemis II crew?

Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen

Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Sally Ride

John Glenn, Alan Shepard, Mae Jemison, and Peggy Whitson

Charles Duke, Jack Swigert, Fred Haise, and Ken Mattingly

What specifically do the organ chips consist of?

Blood cells

Bone marrow tissue

Skin samples

Muscle tissue

Who is the Director of NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division mentioned in the text?

Reid Wiseman

Victor Glover

Lisa Carnell

Christina Koch

What is one potential application of the findings from this study?

Creating spacecrafts

Personalized medical treatments for astronauts

Developing new food for astronauts

Improving space suits

The avatars are used to replace the astronauts during their mission.

True False

The AVATAR study allows for simulation of bodily changes before astronauts go to space.

True False

Different astronauts may respond similarly to space radiation.

True False

NASA aims to prepare astronauts for longer missions with tailored medical kits.

True False

The Artemis II crew's mission data collection ends upon their return to Earth.

True False

The organ chips can help assess immune responses in deep space.

True False

Before embarking on their Artemis II mission, astronauts carried avatars in a container.

The organ chips are made from marrow tissue.

The objective of the AVATAR project is to prepare astronauts for longer in space.

NASA's study may lead to personalized for astronauts.

Astronauts selected for extended missions may have their avatars sent before their .

The AVATAR study allows for a more detailed analysis of bodily in space.

This question is required