A biomedical sensor system for real-time monitoring of astronauts' physiological parameters during extra-vehicular activities

Comput Biol Med. 2010 Jul;40(7):635-42. doi: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2010.05.001. Epub 2010 Jun 1.

Abstract

Objective: To design and test an embedded biomedical sensor system that can monitor astronauts' comprehensive physiological parameters, and provide real-time data display during extra-vehicle activities (EVA) in the space exploration.

Methods: An embedded system was developed with an array of biomedical sensors that can be integrated into the spacesuit. Wired communications were tested for physiological data acquisition and data transmission to a computer mounted on the spacesuit during task performances simulating EVA sessions.

Results: The sensor integration, data collection and communication, and the real-time data monitoring were successfully validated in the NASA field tests.

Conclusions: The developed system may work as an embedded system for monitoring health status during long-term space mission.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aerospace Medicine / instrumentation*
  • Aerospace Medicine / methods
  • Astronauts*
  • Clothing
  • Extravehicular Activity / physiology*
  • Galvanic Skin Response
  • Heart Rate
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / instrumentation*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic / methods
  • Oxygen / administration & dosage
  • Oxygen / blood
  • Plethysmography
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Skin Temperature
  • Space Flight
  • User-Computer Interface

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Oxygen