Occupational Physical Requirements for Astronauts

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Through the Artemis program, space agencies and astronauts are preparing for extended durations in space and on planetary surfaces, expanding their occupational tasks. Although standardized laboratory tests are effective in assessing health and mitigating deconditioning, their reliability in forecasting occupational performance is uncertain. Consequently, a recent shift in exercise testing has emerged, shifting focus from health-oriented criteria to operational performance. This involves identifying the physical demands associated with components of an astronaut’s tasks and determining a minimum level of performance, referred to as Physical Employment Standards. The aim of this systematic review is to provide an updated overview of the scientific literature on astronaut occupational tasks and physiological requirements. METHODS: A search was conducted spanning from 1970 to October 2023. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria underwent screening using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for an evidence-based systematic review. RESULTS: There were 10 studies selected for inclusion in the current review and pertinent information was extracted. There were 14 tasks physiologically assessed: ambulation on various terrains, physical abilities field, device operations/activity board, re-entry and landing, hatch opening, capsule egress, recovery from fall, jump down, ladder climb, material transfer, emergency crewmember drag, hand drilling, construction wrenching, and upper-limb weighted tasks. DISCUSSION: Physical Employment Standards for astronauts have yet to be established; however, certain tasks have been identified, enabling tailored occupational assessments for astronauts, increasingly recognized as tactical athletes. The results of this literature review lay the foundations for scientific task analysis and the development of operational physical tests for astronauts.