Scientists try to peek at blood flow in zero gravity
NCT ID NCT03561545
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a non-invasive imaging technique can measure tiny blood vessels (microcirculation) during brief weightlessness on parabolic flights. Sixteen healthy volunteers were observed during 21-second periods of zero gravity. The goal was to understand how the cardiovascular system adapts to space and potentially develop a tool to monitor astronaut health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help develop a diagnostic tool to detect weightlessness-related cardiovascular issues and improve astronaut health monitoring.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small feasibility study with only 16 healthy volunteers, and the weightlessness periods last just 21 seconds, so results may not apply to longer space missions or real astronauts.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Caen University Hospital
Caen, France
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