The International Countermeasure Research Working Group (ICM) P. Sundblad (ESA), O. Angerer (ESA, P. Graef (DLR), R. Gerzer (DLR) D. Francisco (NASA), J. Hayes (NASA), I. Koslovskaya (IBMP) and O. Orlov (IBMP)
Countermeasure Research Space flight induced changes in human, such bone loss, muscle wasting, decreased immune function, decreased work capacity etc etc are increasingly being investigated world-wide. Similarly measures to counteract these effects, aiming to maintain health and performance, are being developed and validated. These aspects are common challenges for any country and space agency that has a Human Spaceflight programme
Countermeasure Research CM research is initially always done in ground based settings, using space analogues and simulation (bedrest for investigating microgravity effects for example). If the preparatory research could be coordinated, in an International fashion, in order to standardise some aspects, avoiding overlaps and foster cooperation everything would become much more efficient.
ICM Current members: DLR, ESA, IBMP and NASA JAXA and CSA has been observers Participants are both Life Science Coordinators and representatives from the MedOps Countermeasure community Terms of Reference signed 2009
ICM - Scope coordinate activities and exchange research information directly related to the cooperative planning and execution of new counter-measure research on Earth, aiming at future research and applications in space
ICM Scope cont d Specifically, the ICM will, among other things: Define standard measures and conditions used in countermeasure research in space and on Earth; Coordinate research campaigns, as appropriate, to minimize duplication of effort and enhance synergy; Facilitate interaction between discipline experts in order to have the full benefit of international expertise; Identify how the knowledge gained through this activity can be used for terrestrial health and medical care benefits; and Pursue development of uniform methods to store, access, and share data generated through such research
ICM Scope (cont d) Among the products of the ICM are strategies and plans related to the standardized development and evaluation of countermeasures to the untoward human changes during space missions. This includes, but is not limited to, the: Standardization of bed rest conditions; Standardization of human data collection during bed rest and other spaceflight analog studies; Development of standardized approaches to artificial gravity research using human centrifuges; and Development of common approaches to data archiving and sharing.
Activities Bedrest Standards: IAA Study Group initiated spring 2009 Truly International team French, Greek, Chinese, Japanese etc in addition to ICM countries Standard Bedrest conditions: created with inputs from existing national standards Standard Measurements: set of measurements in the major organ systems, to be collected in all studies. Bedrest standards will allow comparability between studies allowing to evaluate different CMs against each other.
Activities cont d Exercise Countermeasure Workshop Trieste June 2010 Participation of scientists, crew trainers, and H/W developer Intention was to highlight current countermeasure activities, including challenges and areas of improvements, CM research and status of existing exercise H/W and H/W concepts in development. Successful event, expressed interest to have these workshop regularly on a 1-2 year basis. Publication under preparation
Upcoming events Finalisation of BR standards Fall 2011 Planning of next exercise CM WS, tentatively mid 2012 Potentially: Coordinated approach to: Artificial gravity research Validation of existing space CM in ground based settings (Vertical treadmill training in bedrest setting) etc