NASA Human Research Program’s Continue Using of AI Technology to Mitigate Exploration Medical Risk

INTRODUCTION: National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Human Research Program (HRP) Science Integration Office (SIO) strives to be a pioneering force in seamlessly integrating advanced medical Artificial Intelligence (AI) to safeguard crew health in deep space. HRP seeks to empower space professionals with intelligent AI tools to identify and mitigate crew medical risk by unlocking unparalleled insights for accelerated discovery and response. HRP’s AI team continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible as they develop the next evolution of health systems for deep-space exploration.

TOPIC: By leveraging external partnerships, HRP SIO is able to enhance the understanding of the role AI plays in managing human system risks. HRP SIO is actively advancing proof-of-concept projects such as the innovative Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistants (CMO-DA). This initiative employs agentic AI tools and integrates space medicine-literate language models to supplement existing space condition/risk data sources, such as the probabilistic risk assessment tool, and NASA’s Integrated Medical Evidence Library. In collaboration with data scientists from prominent technology firms such as Google, Microsoft and Ejenta, NASA was able to integrate the Butterfly Ultrasound (iQ3) device into a multi-vector data stream system. This integration successfully demonstrated the capability of providing real-time diagnostic functionality during a simulated space mission, confirming the ability to provide immediate medical support as part of a Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). The application of the Butterfly Ultrasound, combined with AI guidance, facilitated the autonomous execution of complex medical diagnostics, thereby reducing the need for direct Earth-based intervention.

The CMO-DA interoperability portfolio includes multi-vector data streams from Ejenta Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), the use of diagnostic and procedural support for ultrasound imaging developed in NASA’s Autonomous Medical Officer Support (AMOS), the provision of emergency procedure support and situational awareness for the Mission Control Center (MCC), as well as NASA establishing a Space Act Agreement (SAA) with UpToDate to use their data as part of the CDSS.

This portfolio is designed to enhance the integration and utilization of various data sources and technologies for improved clinical decision support. Multi-vector data streams from Ejenta TRISH offer standardized, integrated multi-point data, facilitating more precise and timely health assessments. Diagnostic and procedural support for ultrasound imaging developed in AMOS which provides procedures capabilities to assist crew in diagnosing and managing medical conditions more effectively. Emergency procedure support and situational awareness for the MCC ensures that critical information is readily available during emergencies, enhancing decision-making and response times. NASA and UpToDate are collaborating on a SAA as part of the CDSS. This initiative aims to utilize their comprehensive medical knowledge database to provide the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. The goal is to improve CMO-DA model outcomes.

APPLICATION: Continuing to employ agile techniques and refining the proof of concepts within the HRP AI strategy has facilitated the exploration of various AI approaches. This has enhanced our expertise and knowledge through collaborative efforts with both internal and external partners, as well as the involvement of HRP and its stakeholders.