ASX Star Talk: "So, you want to go to Mars?" with Dr. John B. Charles
For everyone who was dissapointed by our cancelled symposium, Dr. John B. Charles (one of the original symposium speakers) has agreed to come to Toronto to give a special Star Talk!
Long-range planning for exploration-class missions emphasizes the need for anticipating the medical and human factors aspects of such expeditions. Physiological stresses will come from environmental factors such as prolonged exposure to radiation, weightlessness while en route, and low gravity and a toxic atmosphere while on Mars. Psychological stressors will include remoteness from Earth, confinement, and potential interpersonal conflicts, all complicated by circadian alterations. Medical risks including trauma must be considered. The role of such risk-modifying influences as artificial gravity and improved propulsion technologies to shorten round-trip time will also be discussed.
NASA’s on-going efforts to reduce the risks to humans on exploration-class missions, including the year-long ISS expedition and its Twins Study, will be presented.
About the speaker
Dr. John B. Charles is the former Chief Scientist at the NASA Human Research Program. Dr. Charles earned his bachelor of science in biophysics at The Ohio State University and his doctorate in physiology and biophysics at the University of Kentucky. He worked at NASA's Johnson Space centre from 1983 - 2018, where he investigated the cardiovascular effects of space flight on Space Shuttle astronauts and on crew members of the Russian space station Mir. As the chief of the International Science Office of NASA’s Human Research Program, he led space life sciences planning for the joint U.S./Russian one-year mission on the ISS. Additionally, he is a fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association and a full member of the International Academy of Astronautics, has published over 60 scientific articles, and has received several professional awards.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided following the talk!
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Astronomy & Space Exploration Society
Location: University of Toronto, McLennan Physical Laboratories (MP 102), 60 St George St, Toronto, ON M5S 1A7