Google and NASA Develop AI Medical Assistant for Space Missions

Google and NASA Develop AI Medical Assistant for Space Missions
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Google and NASA are collaborating on an artificial intelligence (AI) tool to support astronaut health during space missions, euronews reported. The “Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant” is designed to help astronauts and on-ground medical teams diagnose and treat medical issues in real time, particularly when communication with Earth is limited.

The AI system provides flight surgeons with predictive analytics and detailed guidance to support decision-making in isolated environments. Early proof-of-concept tests have demonstrated reliable diagnoses based on reported symptoms, and developers are now refining the model in collaboration with medical professionals.

This innovation is especially relevant as NASA prepares Artemis II and III missions to the Moon, which are part of a broader roadmap to Mars missions planned for the 2030s. Astronauts currently receive training in first aid, CPR, and space-specific medical conditions, with access to medical kits and a pharmacy on the International Space Station (ISS). However, missions beyond low-Earth orbit will face communication delays of up to 10 seconds for the Moon and 40 minutes for Mars, making remote medical support challenging.

The AI assistant aims to provide robust, autonomous healthcare capabilities, ensuring astronauts can manage emergencies independently and limit reliance on Earth-based teams. Researchers stress that such systems will be crucial for multi-year deep space missions where immediate evacuation is impossible.