The human in the system - a legacy of flight

Abstract

Human spaceflight has been a key element of exploration for more than 70 years. Human presence in space and exploration of low Earth orbit and planetary sojourns are possible because of complex systems. As humans are involved in all aspects of this endeavor it is important to have constructive dialogue across diverse disciplines. This Editorial highlights the interaction between different disciplines in support of the complex systems for human spaceflight. It highlights the establishment of the University of Cincinnati’s Armstrong Institute for Space, Technology and Research (ASTRO) and the efforts by faculty and students in fundamental and translational research. Space exploration has many facets and includes a wide variety of complex systems to support launch systems, human habitats, and opportunities in low Earth orbit and human health.

Keywords

Human spaceflight / complex systems / legacy / human factors / aerospace

References

[1] Engineering, life sciences, and health/medicine synergy in Aerospace Human Systems Integration. The Rosetta Stone Project. Available from: https://human-factors.arc.nasa.gov/publications/Shepanek_Null_20180001256.pdf [Last accessed on 5 Jun 2025]

[2] Doarn CR,Currie-Gregg NK.Engineering, life sciences, and health/medicine synergy in Aerospace Human Systems Integration: the Rosetta Stone project - an executive summary.New Space2019;7:110-3

[3] Peeters W.Evolution of the space economy: government space to commercial space and new space.Astropolitics2021;19:206-22

[4] Denis G,Pasco X,Texier D.From new space to big space: how commercial space dream is becoming a reality.Acta Astronautica2020;166:431-43

[5] Landon LB,Salas E.Human factors in spaceflight: new progress on a long journey.Human Factors2023;65:973-6

[6] Greenbaum D.Space debris puts exploration at risk.Science2020;370:922

[7] Baba MH,Singh A,Thakur AK.Review analysis of problems associated with the various space debris removal methods.Mater Today2023;In Press