(LSAH) The Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health (LSAH) is an ongoing NASA-designed research protocol which began in 1992 to examine the long-term physiological effects of
space flight on astronauts. The primary aim of LSAH is to investigate and describe the incidence of acute and chronic morbidity and mortality of astronauts, and to determine whether the unique occupational exposures encountered by astronauts are associated with increased risks of either total or cause-specific morbidity or mortality. The primary focus of the study is the men and women who have been selected as NASA astronauts since the space program began in 1959. All active NASA astronauts participate in the study and are followed from selection throughout their lifetime, or until the end of the study. The study makes available information from the medical requirements (MRIDs). The study also
collects health and medical data from a ground-based comparison group of Johnson Space Center (JSC) employees matched to the astronauts at a 3:1 ratio by sex, age, and body mass index (BMI). They are followed in the same manner as astronauts. Medical data collected from this study are stored and maintained in the LSAH electronic medical record database.
LSAH newsletters are published semiannually with the intent to keep participants informed and up to date on the study's findings. Click on the links below to view more information.
+ View MRID Book overview
+ View Medical Requirements
+ View LSAH Newsletters