Aerospace Medicine

The Aerospace Medicine program at Texas A&M University College of Medicine stands at the forefront of pioneering space health research and education. With a mission to send medically prepared and trained astronaut crews into space and ensure their safe return, the program's vision focuses on optimizing human health on Earth and beyond.

As an academic leader, the program aims to establish a Center for Space Medicine, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration among departments like Aerospace Engineering and Health and Kinesiology.

Texas A&M's commitment to space exploration is underscored by its designation as a Space-Grant University and its significant contributions to NASA-led research.

Notable accomplishments include the Rodent Research 23 mission, which investigated spaceflight's impact on vision, and the formation of the Space Exploration Consortium. The program's efforts extend to hosting workshops and leading research projects that address critical health challenges astronauts face, from cardiovascular issues to vision problems. Through these initiatives, Texas A&M University is poised to meet the growing demand for expertise in space medicine, driving advancements that benefit both space travelers and Earth-bound populations. 

Our Vision: Optimizing Human Health on Earth and Beyond. 

Our Mission:  To send medically prepared and trained astronaut crews into space and return them safely home again. 

Our Goal: Become an academic leader for space medicine research, education, and clinical practice at Texas A&M University College of Medicine by creating a yet-to-be-named Center for Space Medicine. 

 Background 

At Texas A&M University (TAMU), we have a long history of being deeply involved in space exploration and research. In 1989, NASA named us a Space-Grant University, joining a special group of colleges dedicated to supporting space exploration. 

Astronauts face many health challenges in space. These include changes in gravity, high radiation levels, and social isolation. These factors can affect their muscles, heart, immune system, eyesight, and more. By studying these challenges, we can find ways to help astronauts stay healthy and improve health here on Earth. 

Our university has played a big role in space biomedical research, especially in the last decade. The Texas A&M University College of Medicine works closely with other departments like Aerospace Engineering and Health and Kinesiology. Together, we have done important studies both on Earth and in space. 

In 2021, we formed the Space Exploration Consortium to strengthen our role in space research. This group hosted workshops on various topics, including human spaceflight, led by experts like Dr. Bonnie Dunbar and David Zawieja. Human spaceflight is a key part of NASA's mission to explore and develop space for human use. 

Also in 2021, our College of Medicine led a major study called the Rodent Research 23 (RR23) mission. Scientists from TAMU, NASA, and other institutions studied the effects of spaceflight on vision using mice aboard the International Space Station. After the mice returned to Earth, they were quickly brought to TAMU for further study. This research is part of ongoing efforts to understand spaceflight's impact on health. 

At Texas A&M University and the College of Medicine, we see space as the next great frontier. With the growth of the commercial space industry and NASA’s programs to return to the Moon and explore Mars, there is a high demand for experts in space medicine. We are committed to meeting this demand with our strong engineering and biomedical research background. 

We are investing in space medicine to support future space missions. We plan to create a department focused on human health, covering everything from basic research to clinical practice and recovery. This will ensure our nation is ready for the challenges of space exploration. 

History of the Texas A&M Space Institute 

On May 29, 2023, House Bill 3447 was passed by the 88th Legislature, relating to the creation, management and administration of the Texas Space Commission and the Texas Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium and signed by the Governor of Texas on June 6, 2023. Funding was provided starting in September 2023, including $150 million for the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund and $200 million for a research and development facility. 

The Aerospace Research and Space Economy Consortium, with members from government, universities, and other institutions, will guide this initiative. Texas A&M will provide administrative and staff support for the consortium, which will identify key research topics and solicit proposals.