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
Our mission is to equip clinicians to thrive at the edge of the human frontier, where medicine meets the unknown. We drive innovation in healthcare for environments once thought unreachable, pushing the limits of human performance, safety, and resilience.
By combining research, training, and hands-on experience with operational missions, we prepare our fellows and students to tackle challenges that span from Earth’s most extreme environments to the vacuum of space. Through this work, we aim to elevate patient care both in orbit and on the ground, forging a future where exploration expands what’s possible for health, science, and humanity.
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
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.