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Understanding the physiological and psychological changes that occur during space flight is critical as crews live and work in space for prolonged periods. These changes could adversely affect the health and performance of crew members inflight. The Human Research Facility (HRF), a crucial component of the life sciences program for the International Space Station (ISS), will provide basic human research capabilities and facilitate transfer of knowledge and technology for Earth-based applications. Critical issues such as bone density deterioration, renal stone risk, effect of gravity on vestibular and visual systems, and others will be investigated using the generic hardware currently being developed for the HRF.

Changes in thermoregulation during spaceflight could result in an inability to tolerate ambient conditions or exercise tasks readily tolerated preflight. Weightlessness may alter heat production by changing metabolic rate, circadian rhythms of heat production, or work efficiency. It may impair heat loss by reducing convective and evaporative heat exchange. In addition, crewmembers may become less fit, less heat acclimated, hypohydrated, or have altered thermal sensitivity. Three scenarios are described: exercise conditioning in the mid deck, EVA, and emergency egress. Each scenario is discussed in terms of potential thermal challenges and possible consequences on crew performance.