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DAN Medical Research
Astronauts, like divers, are exposed to changes in pressure that can lead to decompression sickness (DCS), otherwise known as "the bends". When an astronaut leaves the Space Station for Extravehicular Activity (EVA), the pressure of the space suit (4.3 psia) is one third of sea level pressure (14.7 psia), or equivalent to the pressure at an altitude of 30,300 feet. Astronauts breathe oxygen prior to an EVA ('prebreathe') to eliminate nitrogen from the body, thus decreasing the risk of developing decompression sickness. This study is designed to determine the safest procedure for protecting astronauts from DCS during the many spacewalks required for construction and maintenance of the International Space Station. For a list of publications related to this study, click here. Learn More >>
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