Space is beautiful, but it’s also dangerous.Long missions can damage the human nervous system. To prevent this, researchers at Saint Petersburg State University (Russia) have developed a method (patentNo. 050496) that helps identify who is at risk.

The key is a special “space exposure index.” It measures the total time spent in space and the number of spacewalks. Combinedwith a blood test, this index can show in advance who needs preventive care.

This approach will help astronauts stay healthier for longer and perform at their best even during the most challengingmissions.