Medical Astrosociology: Ethical Dilemmas in Space Environments

Abstract

Astrosociology Research Institute, Huntington Beach, CA, 92647 [Abstract]. One of the key areas within the emerging subfield of medical astrosociology involves research concerning the ethical dilemmas that space travelers and settlers will face as humanity spreads itself out into the solar system. Those that touch on the medical domain can be especially difficult to reconcile, and they often result in disagreement and conflict. While it may seem premature to many to consider such ethical issues while human spaceflight still focuses on low Earth orbit, we must seriously initiate this dialog now so that humans will be better equipped to face difficult decisions in the future. These dilemmas occur on Earth, so they are sure to play out in space environments. Historical and contemporary lessons derived from analogous situations involving humans living and working in isolation on our own planet can serve as extremely valuable guides. Examples include polar and other types of expeditions, long-term residence at permanent polar stations, submarine and warship duty, and the voyages of explorers from the past. Humanity’s experiences aboard space stations that include Skylab, Mir, and the ISS orbital stations have provided valuable data, though some aspects of the experiences of professional astronauts and cosmonauts more closely resemble military living arrangements than the typical social life experienced by civilians. Thus, it is important to distinguish between the two in settlements that establish themselves farther out in the solar system. Once again, however, we must remain cognizant of the medical ethics developed on Earth in “ordinary” situations as well as the special circumstances added for those living in isolated space environments. In a sense, all experiences on Earth involving medical decisions represent analogies for space environments. The bioethical issues that transcend beyond space medicine in terms of strictly involving biomedical matters require input from social scientists working together with physicians and others concerned with the multiple dimensions of health and safety. Medical astrosociology allows for a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the ethics related to space medicine that requires investigation before these issues exhibit life-and-death consequences for patients, family members, friends, and even entire populations living in space. The time has come to take advantage of existing knowledge regarding analogous situations, and the rich traditions of the social sciences, so we may institute humane and safe procedures involving bioethical situations in space.