Update on the effects of microgravity on the musculoskeletal system

With the reignited push for manned spaceflight and the development of companies focused on commercializing spaceflight, increased human ventures into space are inevitable. However, this venture would not be without risk. The lower gravitational force, known as microgravity, that would be experienced during spaceflight significantly disrupts many physiological systems. One of the most notably affected systems is the musculoskeletal system, where exposure to microgravity causes both bone and skeletal muscle loss, both of which have significant clinical implications. In this review, we focus on recent advancements in our understanding of how exposure to microgravity affects the musculoskeletal system. We will focus on the catabolic effects microgravity exposure has on both bone and skeletal muscle cells, as well as their respective progenitor stem cells. Additionally, we report on the mechanisms that underlie bone and muscle tissue loss resulting from exposure to microgravity and then discuss current countermeasures being evaluated. We reveal the gaps in the current knowledge and expound upon how current research is filling these gaps while also identifying new avenues of study as we continue to pursue manned spaceflight.

Scientific and engineering problems involved in the implementation of the project «Manned space systems and complexes»

This paper, which is, to a large extent, a review, presents results of an analysis of the current status and future prospects for the development of our country’s manned spaceflight from the standpoint of RSC Energia as the prime organization in Russia in this field of science and engineering. It addresses the issues involved in the ISS Russian Segment deployment completion, which is to be achieved by the addition of three new modules currently being developed at RSC Energia: the Multipurpose Laboratory Module in 2020; the Node Module in 2021; Science and Power Module in 2022, and the development of an improved version of cargo spacecraft Progress-MS. It describes quick ISS rendezvous profiles for crew and cargo transportation spacecraft. It discusses the issues involved in improving the efficiency of the ISS Russian Segment utilization, commercialization problems and plans to expand scientific applied research. The paper explores the desirability of establishing a Russian orbital station after the ISS program completion. As a strategic outlook for the development of our country’s manned space flight the paper formulates proposals on the national program of lunar research and exploration. It summarizes RSC Energia’s proposals on the development of a multifunctional system for crew search and rescue during launches of manned spacecraft from Vostochny launch site. It discusses the results and problems involved in laying the scientific, engineering and manufacturing groundwork for the development of advanced manned space systems, including introduction of digital technologies, development of new instrumentation, use of composite materials, additive and robotic technologies. Key words: Manned spaceflight, ISS Russian Segment, commercialization of scientific research, Russian orbital station, lunar research and exploration program, crew search and rescue system, problems of laying the scientific and engineering groundwork.