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Humans in space

Nature volume 409, pages 1115–1118 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

Many successful space missions over the past 40 years have highlighted the advantages and necessity of humans in the exploration of space. But as space travel becomes ever more feasible in the twenty-first century, the health and safety of future space explorers will be paramount. In particular, understanding the risks posed by exposure to radiation and extended weightlessness will be crucial if humans are to travel far from Earth.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge many helpful discussions with R. J. Cohen, J. F. Dicello, D. F. Dinges, C. Golden, A. R. Kennedy, J. I. Leonard, C. M. Oman, R. J. Schwartz and J. R. Shapiro. Support for the preparation of this paper was provided by NASA, both directly and through Cooperative Agreement NCC 9-58 with the National Space Biomedical Research Institute.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Space Biomedical Research Institute and Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, NA-425, Houston, 77030, Texas, USA

    Ronald J. White

  2. NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, 94035-1000, USA

    Maurice Averner

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White, R., Averner, M. Humans in space. Nature 409, 1115–1118 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/35059243

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