Want to Help Scientists Study How to Make Moonwalks Safe for Astronauts?
NASA Science ·
Want to Help Scientists Study How to Make Moonwalks Safe for Astronauts? A NASA-funded research study aims to protect astronauts from decompression sickness during moonwalks, and NASA is seeking test participants for this study. The low pressure in an astronaut’s space suit can cause gas bubbles to form in the body, resulting in joint pain […] The post Want to Help Scientists Study How to Make Moonwalks Safe for Astronauts? appeared first on NASA Science .
Home Want to Help Scientists Study… HRP Home HRP Elements Human Factors and Behavioral Performance Human Health Countermeasures Space Radiation Research Operations and Integration HRP Hazards & Risks Hazards Risks HRP Videos HRP News Living in Space Want to Help Scientists Study How to Make Moonwalks Safe for Astronauts? Artist concept of astronauts walking on the Moon and examining surface rocks. Credit: NASA A NASA-funded research study aims to protect astronauts from decompression sickness during moonwalks, and NASA is seeking test participants for this study. The low pressure in an astronaut’s space suit can cause gas bubbles to form in the body , resulting in joint pain or other symptoms. Researchers are looking for a way to help prevent this.
What Is This Study About?
This study will evaluate how exercise, combined with protocols to breathe pure oxygen, can help prevent decompression sickness caused by low-pressure environments. Participants at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina will breathe pure oxygen while resting or doing light exercise before spending six hours in a specialized chamber that simulates spacesuit pressure. While inside the chamber, participants will perform various physical activities representative of tasks astronauts could perform on the Moon, while researchers monitor for bubble formation using ultrasound. A physician will also monitor for any signs or symptoms of decompression sickness.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should be healthy, physically fit, non-smoking adults ages 30 to 60. No travel expenses will be reimbursed, so selected participants will need to make their own way to the test site in Durham, North Carolina.
What Will Participants Do?
Participation involves a total of six visits. Initial visits include:
Will You Be Compensated for Participating?
Yes. Participants will be paid for their time but not reimbursed for travel expenses.
Where Does the Study Take Place?
Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina
Resources :
Duke University Exercise Prebreathe Clinical Trial Resource Page
Deadline: Recruitment runs now through Nov. 30, 2026.
Apply: Click here: Exercise Prebreathe | My Duke Research
Questions : SpaceResearch@duke.edu
Living in Space
Artemis
Human Research Program
Space Station Research and Technology
The post Want to Help Scientists Study How to Make Moonwalks Safe for Astronauts? appeared first on NASA Science .