Humans Verses Space: The Next Battleground w/ Shawna Pandya #33

In This Episode

Join us as we explore the fascinating intersection of human health and space travel with Dr. Shauna Pandya, a physician and director at the International Institute of Aeronautical Sciences. In this episode, we delve into key insights about the challenges of space medicine, including how space is trying to kill us through radiation exposure, isolation, and altered gravity environments.

Dr. Pandya shares compelling examples from her research, including the "big five" hazards of spaceflight: radiation, isolation and confinement, distance from Earth, altered gravity environments, and hostile environments. She discusses the implications of these challenges for future missions to Mars and beyond, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as we discuss potential advancements in technology that could revolutionize space travel, such as genetic engineering for radiation resistance and artificial gravity habitats. We also reflect on how lessons learned from space can benefit life on Earth, particularly in medicine and technology.

Episode Outlines

• Introduction to Dr. Shauna Pandya and her expertise in space medicine
• Overview of the "big five" hazards of spaceflight
• Discussion on radiation exposure and its effects on human health
• The psychological challenges of isolation and confinement in space
• Impact of distance from Earth on communication and emergency response
• Altered gravity environments and their physiological effects
• Technological innovations for mitigating space hazards
• Potential for genetic engineering to enhance astronaut health
• The role of analog environments in preparing for space missions
• How advancements in space medicine can benefit Earth

Biography of the Guest

Dr. Shauna Pandya is a physician and director at the International Institute of Aeronautical Sciences. With a diverse background that includes martial arts and diving, she brings a unique perspective to the field of space medicine. Dr. Pandya has contributed significantly to research on the effects of microgravity on human health and has been involved in numerous analog missions simulating conditions in space.

Her work focuses on understanding the physiological challenges astronauts face during long-duration missions and developing countermeasures to ensure their health and safety. Dr. Pandya is also an advocate for the integration of advanced technologies in medicine, aiming to improve both space exploration and healthcare on Earth.

She has been involved in various projects aimed at enhancing human capabilities in extreme environments, making her a leading voice in discussions about the future of human life beyond Earth.