NASA studies Astronauts' brains on Year-Long space missions

NCT ID NCT04856410

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BRAIN STRUCTURE COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Berlin, 10117, Germany
Johnson Space Center (JSC)

Houston, Texas, 77058, United States
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

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