Building a Space-Faring Civilization: Advancing the Renaissance of Science, Medicine, and Human Performance in Civilian Spaceflight explores an expanding, unique new trajectory for humankind—the settlement of space by civilians. For the first time in history, average humans can contemplate journeys to Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars with the idea of space settlement as a plausible reality. As the numbers of spacefaring civilians grow, medical personnel will be asked to meet their complex needs through an ever-expanding discipline—space medicine. But this will require a rapidly advancing science to address what some are calling the next great age in space.

This book gathers some of the most accomplished thought leaders in the field of human spaceflight today. Collectively, they helped build the international space station (ISS), develop the field of orbital medicine, guide the development of commercial orbital platforms, plan missions to the Moon and Mars, and forge the innovation necessary for the commercial spaceflight industry to thrive today. The result is an exceptional source of wisdom, experience, and insight surrounding the current biomedical, technical, industrial, legal, and social implications of what is emerging as a true renaissance period in human history.

• Describes the lessons learned from past explorers from the Renaissance to the present, and how they can guide space exploration today
• Characterizes the risks encountered in the exploration and settlement of different domains of space
• Surveys the types of medical incidents civilian space travelers are likely to encounter, based on professional astronaut reports
• Summarizes the types of biomedical assessment civilian space travelers will require in order to ready themselves for the dangers of space
• Explores the types of preparation, training, and medical countermeasures needed to live and work in space