Space Medicine
Supporting the Humans Who Push Beyond the Horizon
The Space Medicine section is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in human health and performance beyond Earth. Our work spans clinical care, scientific research, operational readiness, and technological innovation, all with one goal: to prepare for the next era of human exploration.
We unite a diverse team of physicians, scientists, engineers, and industry collaborators who share a passion for solving the medical challenges of spaceflight. From understanding the effects of microgravity on the human body to developing systems that support long-duration missions, our section serves as a bridge between medicine and aerospace.
Through hands-on training, cutting-edge research, and partnerships with leaders across the commercial and governmental space sectors, we strive to ensure that astronauts, spaceflight participants, and future deep-space crews can explore safely, thrive in extreme environments, and push humanity farther than ever before.
What We Do
The Space Medicine Section leads the clinical, scientific, and operational advances needed to support human exploration beyond Earth. Our team works at the intersection of emergency medicine, aerospace science, and innovative technology to solve some of the most complex challenges in human spaceflight.
We focus on four key pillars:
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Clinical Innovation in Extreme Environments
Developing protocols, tools, and systems for managing acute illness and injury in microgravity, partial gravity, and other austere conditions. -
Research & Technology Development
Conducting studies on human physiology, performance, and safety in space; partnering with engineers and industry experts to design next-generation medical capabilities for exploration-class missions. -
Education & Workforce Development
Training the next generation of space medicine professionals through targeted curricula, simulation-based learning, and collaborative instruction with NASA and commercial partners. -
Commercial Spaceflight Support
Providing medical expertise to private spaceflight companies as they expand access to orbit, conduct flight operations, and build the future of commercial human space travel.
Whether it’s preparing clinicians for spacecraft emergencies, designing medical kits for lunar operations, or helping industry partners refine crew health protocols—the Space Medicine Section plays a core role in shaping the future of exploration.
Our Mission
To train physicians, develop technology, and generate research that supports safe and sustainable space exploration, while strengthening emergency care on Earth.
Education & Training
Our curriculum exposes trainees and visiting learners to operational, environmental, and physiological challenges unique to space.
Training includes:
- Flight medicine fundamentals
- Simulation & EVA preparation
- Engineering integration workshops
- Collaboration with aerospace partners
Learn more about Education & Training
Research & Innovation
Our section participates in interdisciplinary studies related to human physiology in extreme environments, medical guidance systems, and operational mission support.
Topics include:
- Microgravity-related changes in physiology
- Medical risk mitigation for long-duration missions
- Health monitoring and remote care systems
- High-fidelity mission simulations
Commercial Spaceflight Partnerships
Our team collaborates with commercial aerospace leaders to support emerging spaceflight operations, contribute to medical planning, and enhance safety standards for future explorers.
Read about our Commercial Spaceflight Work
Recent Highlights
Our section continues to grow as a national leader in space medicine. Recent accomplishments include:
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High-Visibility Research & Industry Projects
Faculty and fellows contributed to ongoing collaborations with NASA and multiple commercial spaceflight companies, advancing medical standards for deep-space missions. -
Featured Institutional Recognition
UTHealth Houston highlighted the Space Medicine program in a recent internal news story, showcasing our innovation in clinical training, simulation, and aerospace partnerships. -
Expansion of Educational Initiatives
New training modules and interdisciplinary workshops were launched, providing opportunities for learners across medicine, engineering, and human performance sciences. -
Cutting-Edge Simulation Work
The section introduced advanced EVA and environmental simulations designed to replicate medical challenges encountered during lunar and orbital missions.
These milestones reflect our mission to push the boundaries of what is medically possible in space. Read our most recent feature story:
Inside UTHealth Houston – Space Medicine Spotlight
Fellowship Program
Our two-year fellowship develops physicians into leaders capable of delivering medical care in some of the most extreme environments imaginable. Fellows gain hands-on clinical experience, participate in high-fidelity mission simulations, and engage directly with commercial and government aerospace partners.
In addition to core clinical training, the program offers exposure to aerospace engineering, EVA and diving simulations, human performance testing, and operational planning for real-world flight activities. Fellows also contribute to ongoing research that shapes safety standards and medical protocols for future space missions.
For full program details, including rotations, eligibility, and application timelines, please visit:
Space Medicine Fellowship Overview
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about our work in space medicine? Our team is available to answer inquiries related to the section, research collaborations, educational programs, and commercial partnerships.
Whether you’re a prospective collaborator, student, or organization seeking expertise, we’re here to support the next generation of exploration.