TABLE 1.

Directions of future research on the impact of long-term space flights on the human body.

Human body system	Research direction
All systems	Creating an artificial gravity station whose conditions would faithfully reproduce terrestial conditions, which would expand knowledge on human physiology in space
Respiratory system	Determining how exposure to cosmic radiation affects the human respiratory system, and in particular what is the specific relationship between such exposure and the potential development of cancer in astronauts
Nervous system	Investigating the impact of exploration, meaning specific stressors, including isolation and confinement, on the wellbeing, cognitive function, and immune health of crew members
	Designing space station for greater physical and psychological comfort: reducing noise and vibration, adequate lighting to benefit the circadian rhythm
	Developing emergency management schemes for neurological diseases and psychiatric emergencies in space
Specialized senses	Identifying potential changes in the perception of taste and smell as a means of preventing anorexia in space
Musculoskeletal system	Determining the relationship between baseline bone mineral density (BMD), muscle strength, and muscle mass Determining the condition of the musculoskeletal system after spaceflight, and checking whether higher initial physical fitness has a positive effect on regeneration after long-term spaceflight
	Exploring the potential use of eccentric training as a supplementary method to current resistance training practices in space, and how it builds upon the effects of higher-load resistance training
Excretory system	Developing standardized experiments to determine changes in hormone fluctuations and their effect on humans as data on hormone levels in space are often contradictory
Reproductive system	Investigating the effects of space conditions on fetuses and children development in the perspective of life in space