European Astronaut Centre

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a growing concern in surgical practice, particularly in the context of robot-assisted surgery. Physical strain can significantly impact the well-being and performance of surgeons and surgical staff. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and severity of surgical strain among urologists using different available surgical platforms. An anonymized, web-based survey was conducted between March and October 2024 using the REDCap platform. Distributed via professional networks and social media, the survey collected data on demographics, surgical experience, platform usage, and self-reported physical discomfort. Statistical analysis included Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests, with P<0.05 considered significant. A total of 427 urologists participated. Most console surgeons (up to 83% for one robotic system variant) reported some level of physical discomfort. Discomfort was also reported by 83% of open surgeons and 80% of bedside assistants, the latter of whom had the highest incidence of injury (53%) from robotic arms. A noteworthy subset of survey respondents required physiotherapy (13-15%), medical (6-11%), or surgical (2-3.8%) interventions due to physical strain. No significant differences were observed by age or sex among console users. Ergonomic strain is prevalent among urologic surgeons, regardless of surgical platform, with bedside assistants particularly vulnerable. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic training, physical conditioning, and design improvements in surgical systems to safeguard surgeon health and maintain procedural efficacy.

Lava tubes are recognized as strategic targets in the search for life on Mars. The Corona Lava Tube System in Lanzarote serves as a terrestrial analog for martian subsurface environments and an astronaut training site for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Planetary Analogue Geological and Astrobiological Exercise for Astronauts (PANGAEA) program. Here, we report the scientific outcomes of ESA's PANGAEA-X campaign, which combined in situ and laboratory-based analyses to investigate the biosignature potential of a black, sticky, organic-rich coating (CLT1), and white cotton-like mineral deposits (CLT3). The microbial diversity captured in real time using the MinION Nanopore device was validated and expanded through Illumina MiSeq and complementary laboratory techniques that included microscopy, mineralogy (X-ray powder diffraction, X-ray fluorescence), and organic geochemistry (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, 13C NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry). Sample CLT1, enriched in organic matter derived from Euphorbia balsamifera milky juice fluid (latex) seepage, hosted halotolerant bacterial genera such as Salinisphaera and hydrocarbon-degrading Alcanivorax, supported by the presence of lipid biomarkers such as squalene, alkyl nitriles, and triterpenoids. CLT3, composed predominantly of gypsum with minor halite, exhibited scarce organic content but revealed acidophilic taxa such as Alicyclobacillus. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating astronaut-led on-site DNA sequencing and geochemical fingerprinting, and traditional laboratory methods for astrobiological exploration. Our findings offer key insights into the microbial colonization, organic matter transformation, and biosignature preservation within lava tubes, with direct implications for future life detection missions on Mars and other planetary bodies. Key Words: Volcanic caves-Biosignatures-Organic matter-Geomicrobiology-Planetary exploration. Astrobiology 26, 30-47.

Hydrogen sulphide, found in air, reformed hydrogen, and lunar water, poses a serious threat to platinum electrocatalysts, significantly shortening the lifespan of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. This study examines how electrode fabrication methods influence contamination resistance. Two types of catalyst coated membranes (CCMs)—ultrasonically spray-coated and electrospun nanofibre—were fabricated, each with a platinum loading of 0.3 mg cm −2 on both anode and cathode. Electron microscopy and Hg porosimetry revealed a porous fibre network in nanofibre CCMs, while less porous coated CCMs showed catalyst agglomerates. Both CCMs exhibited similar electrochemical surface areas (∼17 m 2 ·gPt −1 ), but nanofibre CCMs achieved a peak power density of 437 ± 34 mW cm −2 , outperforming coated CCMs (252 ± 13 mW cm −2 ). Impedance spectroscopy indicated significantly lower time-dependent resistances in nanofibre CCMs (265 ± 10 mΩ cm 2 ) versus coated ones (513 ± 43 mΩ cm 2 ). Under 2 ppm hydrogen sulfide exposure, nanofibre CCMs were more vulnerable to anode contamination due to faster contamination penetration, yet more resilient at the cathode, likely because of enhanced oxygen diffusion and in-operando sulphur oxidation. These results highlight the critical role of electrode structure in contamination behaviour and suggest that hybrid CCMs—combining coated anodes with nanofibre cathodes—may optimize both performance and durability in PEM fuel cells. • Nanofibre CCMs boost PEMFC peak power output by more than 70 %. • Porous nanofibre CCMs have reduced impedance. • Coated CCMs exhibit superior resistance to H 2 S poisoning at the anode. • Nanofibre CCMs demonstrate higher cathode tolerance to H 2 S exposure. • Hybrid CCMs (coated anode + nanofibre cathode) suggested as future approach.

IntroductionRobot-assisted surgery represents a significant advancement in modern surgical techniques, offering the potential of unparalleled precision, flexibility, and control. Effective training of console surgeons is critical to harness these benefits. Simulation-based training, especially with virtual simulators like the Da Vinci Skills Trainer, plays a pivotal role in developing these essential skills. This study investigates the impact of intensive, short-term hands-on training courses on the simulation skills of robotic surgery trainees in Germany.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 52 participants from urological clinics with established robotic programs, who attended intensive training courses organized by the German Society of Robot-assisted Surgery (DGRU) and the Working Group (AK) Laparoscopy and Robot-Assisted Surgery of the German Society of Urology between 2018 and 2022 in a single training centre (IRCAD, Strasbourg, France), guided by experienced teachers. The training program included pre- and post-course evaluations using four specific exercises on the Virtual Reality Simulator (Da Vinci Skills Trainer): Ring Walk, Peg Board, Energy Dissection and Suture Sponge. Performance improvements were analyzed using paired t-tests. Statistically significant difference was considered as p < 0.05.ResultsThe results demonstrated significant improvements in participants’ skills across all evaluated exercises. The mean scores for the Ring Walk increased from 68.9 to 86.68 (p < 0.0001); Peg Board from 75.01 to 92.89 (p < 0.0001); Energy Dissection from 62.29 to 79.42 (p = 0.0377); and Suture Sponge from 61.41 to 79.21 (p < 0.0001). Notably, 78.84% of participants showed improvements in at least three of the four exercises, with an average score increase of 17%.ConclusionIntensive simulation-based training was associated with improvements in robotic surgery simulation scores. These findings suggest that such training programs may help shorten the learning curve for novice surgeons and could contribute to improved readiness for clinical practice.

This paper presents the first systematic, measurement-based study on the electromagnetic interference (EMI) potential of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) systems on terrestrial communication networks in the 5.8 GHz band—a key frequency for wireless communications and wireless power transfer (WPT). Unlike prior studies based on theoretical models, our experimental approach quantifies real-world interference effects, exposing practical challenges not captured by idealized models. By varying the Signal-to-Interference Ratio (SIR), interference frequency, and receiver linearity, we assess signal degradation using Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) and constellation diagram analysis. Results show that communication remains feasible at SIR levels as low as -4 dB, while stronger interference leads to significant distortions. Moreover, distinct interference patterns observed in constellation diagrams enable precise identification of interference effects, highlighting the disruptive potential of SBSP’s high-power wireless transmission. These findings establish critical interference thresholds and provide essential insights into SBSP’s coexistence with existing communication systems, guiding future research and policy development.

Prolonged immobilization and spaceflight cause cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning. Combining artificial gravity through short-arm centrifugation with rowing exercise may serve as a countermeasure. We aimed to compare the tolerability, muscle force production, cardiovascular response, and power output of rowing on a short-arm centrifuge and under terrestrial gravity. Twelve rowing athletes (4 women, aged 27.2 ± 7.4 years, height 179 ± 0.1 cm, mass 73.7 ± 9.4 kg) participated in two rowing sessions, spaced at least six weeks apart. One session used a short-arm centrifuge with +0.5 Gz, while the other inclined the rowing ergometer by 26.6° to mimic centrifugal loading. Participants started self-paced rowing at 30 W, increasing by 15 W every three minutes until exhaustion. We measured rowing performance, heart rate, blood pressure, ground reaction forces, leg muscle activation, and blood lactate concentration. Rowing on the centrifuge was well-tolerated without adverse events. No significant differences in heart rate, blood pressure, or blood lactate concentration were observed between conditions. Inclined rowing under artificial gravity resulted in lower power output (−33%, p < 0.001) compared to natural gravity, but produced higher mean and peak ground reaction forces (p < 0.0001) and increased leg muscle activation. Muscle activation and ground reaction forces varied with rotational direction. Rowing in artificial gravity shows promise as a strategy against cardiovascular and muscular deconditioning during long-term spaceflight, but further investigation is required to understand its long-term effects.

Introduction: Long-term space missions trigger a prolonged neuroendocrine stress response leading to immune system dysregulation evidenced by susceptibility to infections, viral reactivation, and skin irritations. However, due to existing technical constraints, real-time functional immune assessments are not currently available to crew inflight. The in vitro cytokine release assay (CRA) has been effectively employed to study the stimulated cytokine response of immune cells in whole blood albeit limited to pre- and post-flight sessions. A novel two-valve reaction tube (RT) has been developed to enable the execution of the CRA on the International Space Station (ISS). Methods: In a comprehensive test campaign, we assessed the suitability of three materials (silicone, C-Flex, and PVC) for the RT design in terms of biochemical compatibility, chemical stability, and final data quality analysis. Furthermore, we thoroughly examined additional quality criteria such as safety, handling, and the frozen storage of antigens within the RTs. The validation of the proposed crew procedure was conducted during a parabolic flight campaign. Results: The selected material and procedure proved to be both feasible and secure yielding consistent and dependable data outcomes. This new hardware allows for the stimulation of blood samples on board the ISS, with subsequent analysis still conducted on the ground. Discussion: The resultant data promises to offer a more accurate understanding of the stress-induced neuroendocrine modulation of immunity during space travel providing valuable insights for the scientific community. Furthermore, the versatile nature of the RT suggests its potential utility as a testing platform for various other assays or sample types.

In space, cells sustain strong modifications of their mechanical environment. Mechanosensitive molecules at the cell membrane regulate mechanotransduction pathways that induce adaptive responses through the regulation of gene expression, post-translational modifications, protein interactions or intracellular trafficking, among others. In the current study, human osteoblastic cells were cultured on the ISS in microgravity and at 1 g in a centrifuge, as onboard controls. RNAseq analyses showed that microgravity inhibits cell proliferation and DNA repair, stimulates inflammatory pathways and induces ferroptosis and senescence, two pathways related to ageing. Morphological hallmarks of senescence, such as reduced nuclear size and changes in chromatin architecture, proliferation marker distribution, tubulin acetylation and lysosomal transport were identified by immunofluorescence microscopy, reinforcing the hypothesis of induction of cell senescence in microgravity during space flight. These processes could be attributed, at least in part, to the regulation of YAP1 and its downstream effectors NUPR1 and CKAP2L.