NASA is taking astronaut health research to a new frontier with the AVATAR (A Virtual Astronaut Tissue Analog Response) investigation on Artemis II. This innovative study will send organ-on-a-chip devices, also known as organ chips, alongside the Artemis II crew on their historic 10-day journey around the Moon. These advanced chips will contain actual cells from the astronauts, allowing researchers to observe how deep space radiation and microgravity affect human health in real time.
Revolutionizing Astronaut Health Monitoring
The AVATAR project aims to revolutionize how we monitor and protect astronaut health during long-duration space missions. By combining organ chip data with other Artemis II health studies, NASA hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of how space travel impacts the human body. This research will inform strategies to safeguard future explorers venturing to the lunar surface, Mars, and beyond.
Organ chips mimic the functions of human organs on a micro scale and provide critical insight into the biological effects of space. As Artemis II prepares to pave the way for humanity’s return to the Moon, these cutting-edge investigations promise to keep our astronauts healthier and safer on their journey into deep space.
