Unlocking the Final Frontier: Space Health Start-Ups Propel Humans into the Cosmos with Cutting-Edge Technologies

Space health is a major concern for entrepreneurs looking to address issues in space. Starburst Aerospace has launched an accelerator program, SPACE-H, with support from NASA and Microsoft to develop commercial technologies that will allow for more human activity in space and create revenue opportunities in terrestrial markets. The accelerator aims to address challenges such as health and performance in space tourism, lunar exploration, and missions to Mars.

Elizabeth Reynolds, a managing director at Starburst leading the accelerator, highlighted the need for autonomous health and performance monitoring systems that can cater to a broader range of human genetics and behaviors. Currently, space health data is limited to the approximately 650 individuals who have traveled to space, many of whom have similar health profiles due to their selection for the astronaut program.

Dr. Rihana Bokhari from the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) expects that autonomous remote medical care for astronauts will also benefit rural healthcare on Earth. The accelerator is interested in companies that are developing autonomous systems for monitoring astronaut health, as well as compact medical devices, unique sensors, computational biology projects, and novel pharmaceutical manufacturing techniques to improve space health.

Juan Carlos López, a former NASA engineer now working at Microsoft, expressed interest in start-ups that utilize data with predictive artificial intelligence. Participants in the accelerator will have access to free computing in Microsoft’s Azure cloud, mentorship from experts and investors providing a valuable opportunity for innovative companies looking to advance space health technologies.