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Space Health Research Network

08 October 2024
Expertise in medical sciences and bioengineering to lead space health research, addressing space and terrestrial health needs.
Pioneering the Future of Space Health Research

As humanity prepares to return to the Moon and venture to Mars through initiatives like NASA’s Artemis program, prolonged space occupancy is becoming an imminent reality. The University of Auckland (UoA) is stepping up to lead in an area that is critical to the success of these missions - Space Health.

“We have an opportunity to advance our understanding of the challenges of living and working in space with a unique New Zealand perspective and also bring tangible benefits to healthcare here on Earth,” says Dr Lisa Brown (Ngāi Tahu, Te Taumutu Rūnanga) as a Surgeon and Space Medicine researcher leading this new opportunity.

The University of Auckland is already a recognised leader in the New Zealand space sector. With a strong foundation in aerospace engineering, earth observation, and space sustainability, the University is now channelling its substantial multidisciplinary expertise into the burgeoning field of space health. “This is not just about ensuring the well-being of astronauts—it’s about pushing the boundaries of medical science and technologies in new directions, and also translating these advances for use here on earth,” says Professor Anthony Phillips from the University of Auckland’s new low gravity research team.

As New Zealand aims to grow its space sector into a $10 billion industry by 2030*, the urgency and opportunity to tackle the complex questions and challenges of supporting those who will work and live in space becomes increasingly critical.

With existing collaborations with some of the world’s leading space agencies, including NASA, ESA, DLR and JAXA, the University is uniquely positioned to foster international partnerships that bring together many skilled contributors in academia and industry. As the global 'new space race accelerates, we are helping drive New Zealand’s leadership in this dynamic field.

Proven capabilities and ongoing projects

The University isn’t starting the journey into space health from scratch. Several pioneering projects are already underway, such as research on wound healing in microgravity, the effects of space travel on organ function, and the development of nutritional food sources in low gravity. These projects are laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs and ensuring the ongoing viability of our investments into space infrastructure.

Researchers like Dr Lisa Brown, who have already made significant contributions to international space medicine and surgery, are driving this work forward. Lisa, a University of Auckland alumni, was the first New Zealander to complete a short course in space medicine training with The University of Texas Medical Branch including time at NASA, being the recipient of the prestigious Shaskan Scholarship provided by University of Texas Medical Branch to attend.

“Developing and building national collaborations on work in space health can be a part of providing innovative solutions that will help shape the future of both space exploration and the nation’s economy,” she says.

Lisa has been championing the development of the recently launched NZ Space Health Network for over a decade. Its intention is to collaboratively draw together the space medicine expertise and associated networks across New Zealand to position the country as a meaningful contributor and potential leader in global space health research and education. The inclusion of translational benefits to Māori health in the Network is also a priority for Lisa.

Looking to the Future

Advancing deep tech in space health can drive the creation of new companies, boost our economy, and grow our space sector.

At the University of Auckland, we welcome collaboration with other Universities, industry and government to turn these bold new sector ambitions into reality.

“The space health research network is a wonderful example of the breadth and diversity of space research emerging from the University or Auckland.  Importantly, the network also presents strong opportunities to collaborate with both domestic and international partners as we look to solve the significant challenges of long-duration spaceflight, while also improving health outcomes on Earth.” – Catherine Qualtrough, University of Auckland - Research Operations Manager (Space).

As we embark on our journey in space health research, we invite you to join us in shaping this exciting future.

Get in touch with Catherine and Analeise for more information