Systems modeling of space medical support architecture: Topological mapping of high level characteristics and constraints

Abstract

The challenges associated with providing medical support to astronauts on long duration lunar or planetary missions are significant. Experience to date in space has included short duration missions to the lunar surface and both short and long duration stays on board spacecraft and space stations in low Earth orbit. Live actor, terrestrial analogue setting simulation provides a means of studying multiple aspects of the medical challenges of exploration class space missions, though few if any published models exist upon which to construct systems-simulation test beds. Current proposed and projected moon mission scenarios were analyzed from a systems perspective to construct such a model. A resulting topological mapping of high-level architecture for a reference lunar mission with presumed EVA excursion and international mission partners is presented. High-level descriptions of crew operational autonomy, medical support related to crew-member status, and communication characteristics within and between multiple teams are presented. It is hoped this modeling will help guide future efforts to simulate medical support operations for research purposes, such as in the use of live actor simulations in terrestrial analogue environments.