Project Title

Validation of multisystem countermeasures protocol for spaceflight during Antarctica winterover at Palmer Station

Summary

Event Number:
X-597-P
NSF / NASA Agreement

Program Director:
Ms. Jessie Crain and Mr. Andrew Titmus

ASC POC/Implementer:
Samina Ouda / Jamee Johnson

Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Brian E Crucian
brian.crucian-1@nasa.gov
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Johnson Space Center

Project Web Site:
https://taskbook.nasaprs.com/tbp/index.cfm?action=public_query_taskbook_content&TASKID=14808

Location

Supporting Stations: Palmer Station
Research Locations: Palmer Station

Description

Immune system dysregulation is known to be associated with spaceflight, likely due to some combination of microgravity, stress, circadian misalignment and/or radiation. The phenomenon generally manifests as alterations in leukocyte distribution, reduced cellular function or altered cytokine profiles. These immune changes were recently found to persist for the duration of a 6-month orbital spaceflight. The reactivation of latent herpesviruses has also been demonstrated to occur during spaceflight. Crews have demonstrated adverse medical events. In some crewmembers, symptoms of dermatitis/atypical allergic symptoms may persist for prolonged periods during space flight. To mitigate these effects, NASA wants to develop an immune countermeasure strategy that will preserve immune function in space and ensure the health of the astronauts. An initial countermeasure protocol is described in peer reviewed articles published by the Immunology and Virology laboratory and NASA Johnson Space Center. The assumption that overwinter at Palmer Station, Antarctica will be an appropriate terrestrial analog for spaceflight associated immune system dysregulation is being addressed via a current pilot study. Assuming analog validation, the aim of this study is to determine if the complete immune countermeasure protocol developed for spaceflight ameliorates the detrimental effect of coastal Antarctica winterover on a variety of physiological biomarkers.

Field Season Overview

Crew members participating in orbital space flight, as on the International Space Station, have had adverse health events potentially related to immune system dysregulation. NASA scientists will collect data to test countermeasures with the assumptions that Palmer Station, Antarctica is an appropriate ground analog. The first of three seasons will serve as a control and the countermeasures will be implemented in the second and third seasons. The science team will be seeking volunteer subjects each season from among the people who will be spending the winter at Palmer Station to participate in this study. Information and consent documentation will be presented to the study subjects by the science team prior to the start of the season. The subjects who agree will each participate in up to five sampling procedures over the course of the winter, including a baseline sample taken at orientation prior to deployment if feasible. The subjects will be asked to collect their own saliva and hair samples, complete a diet and exercise log for seven days prior to the blood draw, as well as complete an optional health survey. Medical support staff will assist in collecting and processing venous blood samples and finger stick blood samples.