When interplanetary space travel becomes viable doctors may suggest
that astronauts undergo a series of medical examinations and tests before embarking on long-duration space missions. These examinations would likely include:
1. Comprehensive Physical Examination: This examination would assess the overall health and fitness of the astronaut candidate. It would involve checking vital signs, assessing organ function, and identifying any pre-existing medical conditions.
2. Psychological Evaluation: Space travel can be mentally challenging, so astronauts would undergo psychological evaluations to determine their mental resilience and ability to cope with isolation, confinement, and the stress associated with space missions.
3. Cardiovascular Assessment: Space travel can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Doctors would assess the astronaut's cardiovascular health, evaluate their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and perform tests to assess their risk for cardiovascular diseases during long space flights.
4. Bone Density Scan: Prolonged periods in microgravity can lead to bone loss. Doctors would conduct bone density scans, assess mineral content, and evaluate the overall health of their skeletal system.
5. Vision and Eye Health Assessment: Astronauts on long-duration space missions have been known to develop vision problems. Doctors would conduct thorough eye examinations, including measuring visual acuity, assessing intraocular pressure, and evaluating the health of the retina and optic nerves.
6. Radiation Exposure Assessment: Space travel exposes astronauts to higher levels of radiation than on Earth. Doctors would assess the individual's baseline radiation dose and evaluate their ability to withstand prolonged exposure to space radiation.
7. Immunization Review: Doctors would ensure that astronauts are up to date on all necessary vaccines and review their immunization history to protect against potential infections in space.
8. Exercise Tolerance Evaluation: Space missions require physical fitness to withstand the demands of microgravity and perform extravehicular activities. Doctors would assess the astronaut's exercise capacity and prescribe a personalized exercise program to maintain their physical fitness during space travel.
Overall, doctors would focus on ensuring that astronauts are in good physical and mental health to minimize the potential risks and ensure their well-being during interplanetary space travel.