NASA has convened a panel of experts to evaluate health risks for astronauts participating in Artemis lunar and deep-space missions. The working group focused on analyzing data regarding decompression sickness, venous thromboembolism, and the implications of patent foramen ovale during extravehicular activities.
The recommendations integrate findings from several key assessments, including the September 2024 report on patent foramen ovale and decompression sickness, as well as the April 2026 working group report on venous thromboembolism risks. The panel also reviewed updated prevention standards outlined in the NASA-STD-3001 Volume 2 document.
A primary focus of the group was identifying risk mitigation strategies, specifically examining the potential for patent foramen ovale closure. These assessments are part of NASA's ongoing efforts to establish medical standards and safety protocols for long-term human spaceflight missions beyond low Earth orbit.
