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Science 22 October 2004:
Vol. 306. no. 5696, p. 591
DOI: 10.1126/science.306.5696.591b
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ScienceScope

NASA's new research plan for sending humans to the moon and Mars is a "solid beginning," says a National Academies interim report released last week. But it cautions that limited space-based studies, funding uncertainties, and NASA's failure to adequately consider radiation and psychological hazards to astronauts could hamper preparation for long- duration missions.

To gain better insight into the challenges of space living, the panel--led by anesthetist David Longnecker of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia--recommends that NASA make greater use of Earth-based experiments, including trials in extreme environments such as polar bases and underwater shelters. The panel is due to release a final report next August, and Guy Fogelman, head of NASA's new human health and performance office, says the agency is likely to adopt "most or all" of the recommendations.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)