Korean J Aerosp Environ Med.  2012 Dec;22(3):60-72.

Suggestions for Improving the Astronaut Candidate's Medical Tests in the Republic of Korea Air Force

• An C
• Kang H
• Chung KY

Abstract

Background
In 2009, the Air Force Chief of Staff announced that the selection of astronaut candidates would be made from Air Force pilots, and in 2010 and 2011, a few astronaut candidates were selected using the medical test items for the mission specialist from the First Astronaut Project medical document in the Aerospace Medical Center (AMC). The purpose of this study was to suggest appropriate medical test items for ROKAF astronaut candidate's selection and regular re-examination. Methods: This process consisted of two steps; the first step was to make recommendations for ROKAF astronaut candidate medical tests by reviewing PubMed and the ROKAF pilot medical management system; the second step was to ask aerospace medical experts of ROK to review recommended medical tests. Results: The new recommendation was established for the ROKAF astronaut selection and their regular medical test, which stressed space related health issues such as cardiopulmonary system, radiation review, psychiatric/psychological tests, and space osteoporosis/calcium metabolism. Conclusion: In the future, new technologies such as whole body MRI and gene tests may be used for the best astronaut's selection, and in order for ROK space vehicle to be made available, we should consider the additional environmental stress tests concerning the space technologies.

Keyword

Astronaut; Medical Standard; Selection