Written by : Dr. Aishwarya Sarthe
February 3, 2025
Source- X
The company is also exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality for astronaut training, physical fitness, and mental health support.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has called for research proposals to study human adaptation in space and enhance health and well-being during long-duration missions. The company seeks innovative scientific projects exploring medical capabilities, physical fitness solutions, and mental resilience strategies for astronauts.
"SpaceX is looking for exceptional science and research ideas to enable life in space and on other planets. Research proposals submitted to SpaceX will be reviewed and evaluated based on mission objectives, scientific and technical merit, and feasibility," the company stated.
The research aims to address the physical and psychological effects of space travel, including in-flight health risks and the challenges of maintaining astronaut well-being during extended missions. Selected studies may launch as early as late 2025.
SpaceX is particularly interested in projects that enhance space-based healthcare and emergency medical response, including just-in-time training and advanced diagnostic tools. Another key area of interest is exercise and fitness solutions tailored for space environments.
The company is also exploring the use of virtual and augmented reality for astronaut training, physical fitness, and mental health support.
Researchers will examine how digital environments mitigate psychological stress and improve cognitive performance during prolonged space missions.
Additionally, proposals are invited for autonomous or crew-facilitated medical payloads that could be integrated into future human spaceflight or cargo missions.
The initiative aligns with growing concerns about astronaut health as space exploration expands. Organizations such as the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine are already studying how space health findings can benefit human medicine on Earth.
Previous space health studies have focused on topics ranging from immune system function to radiation effects and gene-editing mechanisms.
Earlier this month, research on the ISS returned to Earth with findings that could advance early cancer detection, neurodegenerative treatment options, and respiratory therapies.
With the proposal deadline set for March 15, SpaceX aims to drive research that supports human survival in space and contributes to medical advancements on Earth.