Investigating Human Resilience and Performance During NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 Mission

During NASA’s SpaceX Crew-13 mission aboard the International Space Station, astronauts will participate in a variety of biomedical and human performance studies. These include a novel collaborative initiative examining how spaceflight alters blood flow and clotting mechanisms. Additionally, NASA is evaluating crew members’ manual piloting abilities, developing strategies to mitigate vision and neurological changes, compiling vital health data to guide future exploration, and quantifying the physical forces experienced during Earth re-entry to optimize landing hardware and protocols.

Among the upcoming investigations, a new partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) titled Venous Haemostasis expands upon prior spaceflight blood flow research by merging the analytical capabilities of both agencies. By synchronizing blood sampling and other physiological data collection, scientists can minimize the frequency of astronaut blood draws while pooling analytical measurements to more comprehensively understand how microgravity impacts clotting and circulation.

“Microgravity in space can disrupt normal venous blood flow,” noted Jason Lytle, a cardiovascular researcher at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and a principal investigator on the study. “Abnormal and sluggish blood flow elevates the risk of clot formation, a severe medical concern. The Venous Haemostasis study will help us determine why these physiological changes affect some astronauts and not others.”

Prior to, during, and following the mission, astronauts will receive MRI scans, jugular vein ultrasounds, blood pressure monitoring, and blood draws. This rigorous data collection will allow researchers to monitor alterations in blood flow and composition. The findings will guide preventative care for at-risk crew and enhance health and safety protocols for future endeavors. Furthermore, scientists anticipate that insights from this research could yield improved methods for preventing and treating blood clots both in space and on Earth.

A dedicated performance study named Manual Piloting utilizes lunar-landing simulations to assess how effectively astronauts can manage difficult landings following prolonged exposure to microgravity. Since extended spaceflight can impair sensory systems, spatial orientation, and motor control during transitions between gravitational environments, researchers are analyzing how these factors influence piloting proficiency. They are also testing whether targeted refresher training immediately prior to landing can enhance operational capabilities and decision-making.

Researchers will also proceed with the B-Complex study, which examines whether a daily B-vitamin supplement can mitigate or prevent Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a condition that alters astronaut eye structure during extended missions. Prior research indicates that daily B-vitamin intake during spaceflight may offer protection against SANS. Selected crew members will complete vision assessments and consume B-vitamins before, during, and after the flight to gauge the supplement’s efficacy. The study will also determine if these vitamins affect the functioning of the crew members’ blood vessels before and after the mission.

Selected Crew-13 astronauts will also take part in three additional Human Research Program investigations: Standard Measures, Spacecraft Occupant Risk, and Zero T2. Standard Measures gathers consistent physiological and behavioral data from as many crew members as possible to establish baselines for research targeting adverse spaceflight effects. Spacecraft Occupant Risk characterizes the forces experienced during landing to help NASA refine strategies and hardware, thereby reducing injury risks. Zero T2 monitors the exercise routines of select crew members to compare health and performance data between those utilizing the treadmill for aerobic exercise aboard the station and those who do not. These comparisons will assist researchers in developing exercise regimens for future Artemis and deep-space missions, where spacecraft dimensions may restrict or eliminate treadmill usage.

“Collectively, these investigations will enable NASA to gain a deeper understanding of the human body’s response to spaceflight and whether targeted strategies can effectively safeguard astronaut health and performance,” stated Michael Stenger, chief scientist of the Human Research Program at NASA Johnson. “The knowledge we acquire will pave the way for NASA’s efforts to safely send humans deeper into the solar system, including Artemis missions to the Moon, lunar base operations, and future journeys to Mars.”

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NASA’s Human Research Program develops methods and technologies to support safe, productive human space travel. By conducting science in laboratories, ground-based analogs, commercial missions, aboard the International Space Station, and during Artemis missions, the program examines how spaceflight impacts human physiology and behavior. This research fuels the program’s mission to innovate strategies that keep astronauts healthy and mission-ready as space exploration extends to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

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