Observations in the SAM two-man space cabin simulator. II. Biomedical aspects.

E X P E R I M E N T A T I O N in the space cabin simulator at the School of Aviation Medicine has been designed, in part, to study the physiologic and psychologic responses of the human organism to a "'space-equivalent" environment. This environment represents the predicted space cabin environment in most respects, the most important absent environmental parameter being zerogravity. The subjects are maintained under ideal experimental conditions: continuous observation, continuous environmental control, uniform activity and control of food and water intake and excretory output. Under these conditions we have been able to study the physiologic effects of prolonged inactivity, isolation, exposure to altitude and exposure to high oxygen percentage in the absence of inert gas. This report will deal first with observations on the physiological responses and physical performance of the space cabin subjects. Secondly, the problem areas of water balance, pulmonary function, oxygen toxicity and dysbarism will be discussed in relation to recent results obtained in the space cabin simulator.