SRIG 24-48: COVID-19 in Space: Possible Risks and Preparedness

What was the issue being addressed?

The present study seeks to explore two key questions. First, what are the possible increased risks COVID-19 poses to human health during space travel? Second, what preparedness measures can be implemented to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks in space environments? Addressing these questions will provide valuable insights and contribute to the development of disease management protocols essential for safeguarding the health of astronauts and ensuring the success of future space missions.

Provide a brief, lay description of the work undertaken/initiative.

This study aims to address the lack of research on the behaviour of SARS-CoV-2 in space by examining other airborne infectious diseases previously studied in microgravity. Through systematic literature reviews, our research will identify patterns and similarities between airborne infectious diseases studies in space and COVID-19 to predict potential risks to astronauts. Comparisons will be drawn between the effects of previously identified airborne diseases in space and on Earth to hypothesize how COVID-19 might behave in a microgravity environment. Our findings will help develop a comprehensive preparedness plan for COVID-19 prevention through integrating existing guidelines for the prevention of airborne infections in space and on Earth, alongside Earth-based COVID-19 protocols, to create evidence-based measures for managing COVID-19 during space missions.

What is the expected impact this project will have on the community?

The approach utilized in this paper will also enable future studies to compare and estimate the risks of disease in space without relying on direct samples or waiting for an outbreak. The technique involves utilizing details of diseases studied in extreme environments, comparing their effects in regular environments, and then applying a comparative approach to the disease of interest. This allows for more accurate risk analysis and understanding of health effects in extreme environments. This methodological advancement could be pivotal for analyzing health risks in other extreme or inaccessible settings.