NASA studies Astronauts' brains on Year-Long space missions
NCT ID NCT04856410
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study looks at how spending 2, 6, or 12 months on the International Space Station changes astronauts' brain structure and thinking skills, including memory and spatial awareness. Researchers will use brain scans and cognitive tests to track these changes over time. The goal is to understand the risks of long-duration space travel for future missions.
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 research could help NASA understand how to protect astronauts' brains during long space missions, like trips to Mars.
What could go wrong
This is a very small observational study with only 14 participants, so findings may not apply to all astronauts. It measures changes but does not test any treatment.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Berlin, 10117, Germany
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Johnson Space Center (JSC)
Houston, Texas, 77058, United States
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University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States