Vestibular function and sensory interaction in space flight.

The vestibular system and vestibulo-visual interaction were examined in 11 astronauts by the electrooculographic (EOG) method during short- and long-term flights on days 2, 3, 5, 9, 22, 50, 164, and 169 (experiments OPTOKINES and LABYRINTH). In space (flight days 2 and 3), they showed enhanced spontaneous vertical nystagmus, and disorders of tracking of vertical and diagonal movements of the stimulus which improved after active head movements. Early increasing of the reactivity of the cupulo-endolymphatic system (flight days 2-3) was replaced after 5 days of flight with a reduction of the vestibular function and an increase of the significance of the visual input in the formation of oculomotor responses to combined vestibulo-optokinetic stimulation.

Human factor in manned Mars mission.

This paper presents the set of specific problems in manned Mars mission, connected with human factor, and scientific approaches for their resolution. The concept of multifunctional medical Complex for Martian spacecraft is discussed.

Hemodynamic effects of microgravity and their ground-based simulations.

Hemodynamic effects of simulated microgravity were investigated, in various experiments, using radioactive isotopes, in which 40 healthy men, aged 35 to 42 years, took part. Blood shifts were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Simulation studies included bedrest, head-down tilt (-5 degrees and -15 degrees), and vertical water immersion, it was found that none of the methods could entirely simulate hemodynamic effects of microgravity.

+Gx-tolerance in the final stage of space flights of various durations.

Study of acceleration tolerance at the final stage of orbital flights after exposure to weightlessness is an important element of medical support of space flights. The cosmonauts tolerance to accelerations has been analyzed during 38 space missions of 8- to 326-day duration. Tolerance to acceleration during descent in all cases was estimated as satisfactory.

Ultrasound techniques in space medicine.

Ultrasound examinations have been performed on 15 cosmonauts who have remained in orbit for flights ranging from 2.5 to 8 months in duration. Soviet researchers have combined hemodynamic assessments with parallel attempts to develop improved ultrasound techniques and equipment for use onboard space stations.

Central and coronary circulation of the normal man during orthostatic and lower body negative pressure tests.

The effects of the tilt test (at 60-70 degrees for 20 min) and LBNP test (at -30 and -60 mm Hg for 20 min each) on the basic parameters of central circulation (15 test subjects) and coronary circulation (11 test subjects) were investigated. The study was performed using thermistor-equipped catheters implanted into the pulmonary artery and coronary sinus and Teflon catheters implanted into the brachial artery. In the study, the basic parameters of central circulation (pressure in the right atrium and pulmonary artery, transmural pressure in these compartments, cardiac index, stroke index, etc.

Preliminary results of medical investigations during manned flights of the Salyut 4 orbital station.

In 1975 the Soviet Union performed two manned flights on board the orbital station Salyut 4. The first mission of 30 days was flown by A. A.