Space Medicine

Who We Are

The UCLA Space Medicine Center is a hub of innovation, where medicine meets space exploration to create new possibilities for human health and safety beyond Earth. As pioneers in the medical field, we are dedicated to tackling the unique challenges of healthcare in space by developing new medical technologies, treatment methodologies, and training pathways to ensure the health and safety of astronauts as we pursue making our species multiplanetary. As a cornerstone in aerospace advancements, UCLA is the leading academic institution for space medicine on the west coast. Collaborations with JPL on space health research, participation in NASA missions, development of biomedical devices for space, and educational initiatives with SpaceX and VAST highlight UCLA’s commitment to advancing both aerospace technology and space medicine. Our proactive approach to solving health challenges underscores UCLA's integral role in shaping the future of space medicine. At the UCLA Space Medicine Center, we empower astronauts to reach for the stars with our unparalleled training and treatments, ensuring a safe and successful journey into the future.

What is Space Medicine?

Space Medicine is a specialized field of medicine that focuses on maintaining the health, safety, and performance of crewmembers in the harsh environment of space and distant planetary bodies. Microgravity, radiation exposure, and the psychological stressors of confinement and isolation are some of the hardships astronauts face while traveling through space, where traditional medical procedures and treatments may not be feasible. Through developing new and innovative techniques and treating illnesses in space, our program aims to enhance the survivability and success of astronauts in order to make long-term space habitation possible–both now, and for future generations of space explorers.

Training for the New Frontier

The UCLA Space Medicine Fellowship, established in 2021, is the first emergency medicine space medicine fellowship program. It is designed to equip physicians with the skills needed to provide healthcare in space environments. The program offers a robust curriculum that includes clinical rotations, aerospace engineering education, and hands-on experiences with space agencies. 

The fellowship includes rotations at SpaceX and VAST, specialized engineering coursework developed with Caltech and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and biomechanical engineering training at UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering. Fellows also have the ability to undergo austere medical training in antarctica and participate in Mars analog missions to simulate the conditions and health risks on Martian surfaces. We are also developing Allied Health training programs for paramedics and nurses, aiming to expand our training capabilities to support the growing demands of space missions.

Our Team

Our team features key members from all aspects of the public and private aerospace industry. Dr. Haig Aintablian, MD, the director of the UCLA Space Medicine Program, leads this initiative and has an extensive background in emergency medicine and space medicine, having co-founded the nation’s first emergency medicine-based space medicine training pathway with Jo Feldman, MD and Gregory Hendey, MD. Between them, Haig and Jo have supported countless astronaut missions for the public and private industries and have been integral in the advancement of UCLA’s space medicine initiative.

We invite you to support our mission through financial contributions. Your support will help us expand our research capabilities, enhance our training programs, and develop new technologies and initiatives that will shape the future of space medicine. Explore how you can contribute to our groundbreaking work through philanthropy. Together, we can pioneer the future of human spaceflight and ensure the health and safety of humanity as we venture beyond Earth.