A biomedical sensor system for real-time monitoring of astronauts' physiological parameters during extra-vehicular activities.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To design and test an embedded biomedical sensor system that can monitor astronauts' comprehensive physiological parameters, and provide real-time data display during extra-vehicle activities (EVA) in the space exploration. METHODS: An embedded system was developed with an array of biomedical sensors that can be integrated into the spacesuit. Wired communications were tested for physiological data acquisition and data transmission to a computer mounted on the spacesuit during task performances simulating EVA sessions. RESULTS: The sensor integration, data collection and communication, and the real-time data monitoring were successfully validated in the NASA field tests. CONCLUSIONS: The developed system may work as an embedded system for monitoring health status during long-term space mission.