As humans prepare for future missions to the Moon and Mars, a critical challenge is addressing medical problems in the harsh and remote environments of space. To address this issue, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and Impact Canada launched the Deep Space Healthcare Challenge, inviting innovators to develop technologies that could revolutionize healthcare in space.

At the recent presentations in Montreal, five finalists presented their groundbreaking solutions. Finalists include EZResus, an app developed by emergency physician Frédéric Lemaire and his team at Charles-LeMoyne Hospital. Inspired by their experiences in remote communities, the app provides instructions for resuscitation efforts in situations where immediate help is not available.

The special space restrictions present doctors with major challenges. Communication delays, emergency evacuations that take days or even months, and the need to train non-medical professionals on missions are just a few examples. However, advances in technology, such as artificial intelligence, offer promising solutions. The CSA plans to use AI for future space missions, including the Canadarm3 robotic arm for NASA’s Gateway space station.

While the ultimate goal is to empower astronauts to take care of their own health using cutting-edge tools, the technologies developed as part of the challenge also have applications on Earth. Lessons learned from caring for remote indigenous communities or supporting soldiers in harsh conditions can be applied to space missions.

The winner of the Deep Space Healthcare Challenge will receive a handsome prize of half a million Canadian dollars and the opportunity to apply for future CSA job opportunities. Although selecting a winner from the highly talented finalists is no easy task, the focus is on fostering collaboration and innovation.

In summary, the Deep Space Healthcare Challenge advances advances in healthcare technology that will benefit not only astronauts in space, but also remote communities and individuals in challenging environments on Earth. These innovations pave the way for a future where medical care is readily available regardless of location.