Missions are put in danger when crew members become disabled and cannot perform their jobs in the proper manner. The problem also occurs when crew members’ inability to deal with ill health forces mission control to abort the mission or to make an effort to perform a costly and risky medical evacuation. Consequently, space program should minimize the likelihood of physical or mental injury or unforeseen events in space and use prompt, effective applications of medicines that allow crew members to stabilize and then begin again their functions as soon as possible.
Besides providing themselves to deal with the medical hazards of on Mars—space adaptation syndrome, cardiopulmonary reconditioning, minerals loss, radiation sickness — crew members must deal with everyday medical problems that can occur on Mars (Boston 120). Even highly trained astronauts working in supremely engineered environments can have unforeseen problems. These include cuts, burns, sprains, and broken bones.
Furthermore, space flight does not grant immunity from normal illnesses— for example, heart attacks, appendicitis, gallstones, toothaches, constipation, itchy scalp, common colds, bacterial infections, and different viruses (Connors et al. 63). Two broad types of medical care systems—preventative and remedial—promote wellness during Mars mission. Preventative measures take place on the ground prior to departure to Mars.
Preventative measures are intended to minimize the number of health-related problems that can arise. Remedial measures take place on Mars and are intended to stabilize, improve, or cure health problems whose first symptoms appear on Mars. Remedial measures should include those activities necessary to maintain physiological health of all crew members, mental and behavioral health, nutritional health, physical adaptation, and mission procedures.