Space Agencies Are Trying to Keep Astronauts From Losing Their Sight
The European Space Agency is trying to understand why astronauts lose their eyesight in space, in the hope they can figure out how to treat—or even prevent—the condition as looming longer spaceflights heighten the risk of permanent vision damage.
Intelligence analysis by Llama
The European Space Agency is working with a British eye-scanning startup, Siloton, to develop a solution to prevent or treat spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a condition that affects around 70 percent of astronauts on the International Space Station.
Imagine you're on a long space trip and your eyes start to get hurt because of the lack of gravity. That's what's happening to some astronauts, and it's a big problem. Scientists are working on a special device that can help fix the problem and keep astronauts' eyes healthy.
Analysis
The Problem: Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS)
Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) is a collection of eye and brain changes caused by spending prolonged periods in a low-gravity environment. It affects around 70 percent of astronauts on the International Space Station, and the condition poses a serious health risk for astronauts on long missions. The European Space Agency is working to understand and manage SANS, in the hope of preventing or treating the condition.
The Solution: Siloton's Eye-Scanning Technology
The European Space Agency has commissioned British eye-scanning startup Siloton to develop a solution to SANS. Siloton's technology uses quantum technology to shrink core components used in eye-testing equipment found at optometrists to fit on a photonic chip smaller than a coin. The device would allow astronauts to scan their retinas more frequently by automating some of the process, so that examinations do not need ground support. This would generate more data on any ocular degeneration, and possibly provide early warning signs that changes in the eye may be occurring—even before they result in vision change.
Technical Challenges
There are several technical challenges to overcome before the device can be used in space. One of the biggest challenges is getting around using batteries to power the device, as they pose a big fire risk in spacecraft. Designers will also have to decide where the binocular-sized equipment would live and how to position and keep an astronaut's head in place without gravity. However, Siloton is confident that they can overcome these challenges, as they are already working with the UK's National Health Service to enable patients with retinal conditions to self-scan at home.
Key points
- The European Space Agency is working to understand and manage spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS)
- SANS affects around 70 percent of astronauts on the International Space Station
- Silton's eye-scanning technology uses quantum technology to shrink core components used in eye-testing equipment
- The device would allow astronauts to scan their retinas more frequently without ground support
- There are several technical challenges to overcome before the device can be used in space
If the device is successful, it could lead to a major breakthrough in understanding and managing SANS, and potentially even prevent or treat the condition. This would be a major step forward for space exploration and would ensure the health and safety of astronauts on long missions.
However, there are still several technical challenges to overcome before the device can be used in space, and there is a risk that it may not be successful. If the device fails, it could lead to a major setback for space exploration and put the health and safety of astronauts at risk.
