How the UK Can Lead the Terrestrial Translation of Biomedical Advances Arising from Lunar Exploration Activities |
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| Authors: | David A Green |
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| Institution: | (1) King’s College London, London, UK;(2) Centre of Human & Aerospace Physiological Sciences (CHAPS), 4.4 Shepherds House, Guys Campus, London, SE1 1UL, UK |
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| Abstract: | Terrestrial translation of biomedical advances is insufficient justification for lunar exploration. However, terrestrial translation
should be viewed as a critical part of the cycle of mission planning, execution and review, both in terms of the progress
of space exploration, but also of sustained life on Earth. Thus, both the mission and its potential to benefit mankind are
increased by the adoption of human-based exploration of the lunar surface. Whilst European biomedical sciences have grown
in stature, there remains a gap between space biomedical science and terrestrial medical application. As such, an opportunity
for the UK to take a sustainable leadership role exists by utilising its biomedical science community, socialised health care
system (National Health Service) and defined mechanisms to determine the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness upon health
and wellbeing (i.e. National Institute Clinical Excellence), aiding the difficult process of health care rationing. By focusing
upon exploitation of the more scientifically rewarding, potentially long-term and more terrestrially analogous challenge of
lunar habitation, the UK would circumnavigate the current impediments to International Space Station utilisation. Early engagement
in lunar exploration would promote the UK, and its adoption of a leadership role incorporating a considered approach to the
development of space biomedicine with an eye to its terrestrial value. For instance, prolonged lunar habitation could provide
an ‘ideal controlled environment’ for investigation of medical interventions, in particular multiple interactions (e.g. between
exercise and nutrition), a model of accelerated aging and a number of chronic pathologies, including those related to disuse.
Lunar advances could provide a springboard for individualized medicine, insights into occupational and de-centralised medicine
(e.g. telemedicine) and act as a stimulus for biomedical innovation and understanding. Leadership in biomedical science activities
would retain mission critically (and thus avoid obsolesce) so long as a human is involved (irrespective of specific mission
architecture) and could be used to leverage opportunities for UK-based institutions, companies and individuals, most notably
current ESA astronaut candidate Major Tim Peake. A combination of ESA engagement and national support for space biomedical
sciences via research councils (e.g. Medical Research Council) could facilitate a virtuous circle of investment, advancement
and socio-economic return invigorating the NHS, education, and key research initiatives such as ESA Harwell, UK Centre for
Medical Research and Innovation, and the newly instigated Academic Health Science Centres. Such a strategy could also boost
private space enterprise within the UK including the creation of a space port and could help retain the UK’s position as a
European aerospace transportation, services and legislative hub. By focusing upon its biomedical strength within a multi-faceted
but co-ordinated strategy of engagement, the UK could reap significant socio-economic benefits for the UK and its citizens,
be they on the Moon, or the Earth. |
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