Biomedical engineering and space

 No Matter How Good a Design Is, There’s Always a Way to Improve It

As I always say, no matter how good a design is, there is always a way to improve it—there is always a better design. This philosophy is especially true in biomedical engineering applied to space exploration, where the human body faces conditions radically different from those on Earth.

One of the most significant challenges is how microgravity affects the human body. For example, blood pressure behaves differently outside Earth’s gravity, often pooling in the upper body and causing astronauts to experience dizziness or other physiological changes. Biomedical engineers are studying these effects to design equipment, suits, and systems that better support human health in space. From pressure-regulating suits to improved shoe designs for exercise in low gravity, each innovation aims to mimic Earth-like conditions and mitigate the risks of long-duration missions.

Footwear might seem like a minor detail, but in space, even small design choices can have a major impact. Shoes that help stabilize the body during exercise or movement inside a spacecraft can prevent injuries and maintain muscle and bone health, which naturally deteriorate in low-gravity environments. Engineers use simulations to test these designs, refining them to balance safety, comfort, and functionality without needing high-risk or costly physical trials.

This field of study combines creativity, scientific rigor, and practical problem-solving. Whether it’s adjusting suit pressure, optimizing exercise equipment, or developing new methods to counteract the effects of zero gravity on blood flow, biomedical engineering continues to expand the possibilities for human spaceflight. NASA and other space agencies rely on these innovations to keep astronauts healthy and productive, enabling exploration that extends farther and lasts longer than ever before.

Ultimately, biomedical engineering in space is about more than technology—it’s about understanding the human body in extreme conditions and continuously seeking improvements. Every design, every prototype, and every experiment reflects the belief that there is always a better solution waiting to be discovered, a principle that drives progress both in space and on Earth.

Effects of Microgravity on the Human Body

1. Cardiovascular System

Fluid Redistribution: On Earth, gravity pulls blood and fluids toward the lower body. In microgravity, this shift reverses, sending more fluid toward the head. This can cause facial puffiness, congestion, and increased intracranial pressure.

Heart Function: The heart works less hard in microgravity, since it doesn’t have to pump blood against gravity. Over time, the heart can slightly atrophy (lose muscle mass), which can lead to reduced cardiovascular capacity when returning to Earth.

Blood Pressure Changes: Some astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance, meaning they feel dizzy or faint when standing after returning to Earth, due to reduced blood volume and altered baroreceptor (blood pressure sensor) function.

2. Musculoskeletal System

Muscle Atrophy: Muscles, especially in the legs and back, weaken because they no longer need to support the body’s weight.

Bone Density Loss: Bones lose minerals (mainly calcium) at a rate of about 1–2% per month in space. This increases fracture risk and can cause kidney stones from excess calcium in the bloodstream.

Joint and Posture Changes: Lack of weight-bearing activity can lead to changes in posture and joint stability. Exercise equipment and specialized footwear help mitigate these effects.

3. Nervous System

Neurovestibular Effects: The inner ear’s balance system is calibrated for gravity. In space, astronauts often experience space motion sickness and disorientation.

Sensorimotor Adaptation: Fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination can be temporarily affected as the brain adapts to a gravity-free environment.

Sleep Disruption: Circadian rhythms can be disrupted due to the absence of a natural day-night cycle, affecting alertness and performance.

4. Psychological and Cognitive Effects

Isolation and Confinement: Extended missions can lead to stress, mood swings, and symptoms similar to depression or anxiety.

Cognitive Changes: Some studies show temporary declines in attention, memory, or reaction time, though most astronauts adapt over time.

Countermeasures: Structured routines, communication with Earth, exercise, and recreational activities help maintain mental health.

5. Integrated Challenges

The body’s systems are interconnected. Fluid shifts affect cardiovascular function, which influences brain perfusion and balance. Muscle and bone loss can reduce exercise capacity, which can further affect cardiovascular health. Microgravity essentially forces every system to adapt simultaneously, making countermeasures like exercise, specialized suits, and psychological support critical.