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Biomedical program at Space Biospheres VenturesThere are many similarities and some important differences between potential health problems of Biosphere 2 and those of which might be anticipated for a space station or a major outpost on Mars. The demands of time, expense, and equipment would not readily allow medical evacuation from deep space for a serious illness or major trauma, whereas personnel can easily be evacuated from Biosphere 2 if necessary. Treatment facilities can be somewhat less inclusive, since distance would not compel the undertaking of heroic measures or highly complicated surgical procedures on site, and with personnel not fully trained for these procedures. The similarities are given between medical requirements of Biosphere 2 and the complex closed ecological systems of biospheres in space or on Mars. The major problems common to all these would seem to be trauma, infection, and toxicity. It is planned that minor and moderate degrees of trauma, including debridement and suturing of wounds, x ray study of fractures, will be done within Biosphere 2. Bacteriologic and fungal infections, and possibly allergies to pollen or spores are expected to be the commonest medical problem within Biosphere 2.
Document ID
19910004534
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Walford, Roy
(Space Biospheres Ventures Oracle, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: NASA, Washington, Biological Life Support Technologies: Commercial Opportunities
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Accession Number
91N13847
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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