Computational modeling of orthostatic intolerance for travel to Mars

Lex M. van Loon*, Anne Steins, Klaus Martin Schulte, Russell Gruen, Emma M. Tucker

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    8 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Astronauts in a microgravity environment will experience significant changes in their cardiopulmonary system. Up until now, there has always been the reassurance that they have real-time contact with experts on Earth. Mars crew however will have gaps in their communication of 20 min or more. In silico experiments are therefore needed to assess fitness to fly for those on future space flights to Mars. In this study, we present an open-source controlled lumped mathematical model of the cardiopulmonary system that is able simulate the short-term adaptations of key hemodynamic parameters to an active stand test after being exposed to microgravity. The presented model is capable of adequately simulating key cardiovascular hemodynamic changes—over a short time frame—during a stand test after prolonged spaceflight under different gravitational conditions and fluid loading conditions. This model can form the basis for further exploration of the ability of the human cardiovascular system to withstand long-duration space flight and life on Mars.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number34
    Journalnpj Microgravity
    Volume8
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

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