Repository | Book | Chapter

This chapter examines the health of astronauts and how the provision of health care extra-terrestrially puts limitations on their freedom to act individually and as a group in particular as a result of planetary exploration. A brief outline of the chapter is given. This is followed by a discussion on what differentiates an astronaut from other space workers as it is expected that those categorised as astronauts will receive better health care because they are more highly valued. There is a brief discussion on the issues relating to planetary exploration and what constitutes liberty and freedom. The use of exposomes for the screening and selection of astronauts to work in extreme environments is discussed together with issues associated with quarantine where an astronaut's freedom will be restricted due to disease. A discussion of the enforcement of health and safety extra-terrestrially then follows and asks whether legislation can be fairly applied to all. The limitations on the freedom of choice due to health issues for astronauts and other extra-terrestrial workers is then discussed such as who will provide the finance for health care provision in planetary settlements, who will determine the programmes for medical research and how will education and training be organised? The chapter ends with a conclusion that summarises the main health issues relating to astronaut health and how their application can restrict liberty and freedom extra-terrestrially.

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-09567-7_10

Full citation: