TU Dublin Marks International Day of Human Space Flight with Innovative Space Research
On April 12th, the global community will commemorate the International Day of Human Space Flight, marking the 64th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic journey into space in 1961. Established by the United Nations, this day not only celebrates the beginning of the space era for humanity but also highlights the vital role of space science and technology in advancing global well-being and sustainable development goals.
At TU Dublin, the Centre for Industrial and Engineering Optics (IEO) is making significant contributions to space research with its innovative work on wound healing in space. Their research was initially funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) to addresses critical health concerns for future space missions through a collaborative project of eleven European universities - Wound Healing in Space: Key Challenges Towards Intelligent and Enabling Sensing Platforms (WHISKIES). Managing wounds in space presents unique challenges due to the extended communication delays and limited access to medical support during long-duration missions. In such conditions, efficient, autonomous wound management becomes essential to ensure the safety and well-being of astronauts.
Advancing Wound Healing Technology for Space Exploration
Building upon the findings of the WHISKIES project, a research team led by Prof. Izabela Naydenova at TU Dublin is now developing advanced technologies to monitor and enhance wound healing in space. Their work focuses on the development of biocompatible polymeric materials and holographic sensors that can monitor key indicators of wound healing, such as temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration in wound exudate. These sensors offer several advantages over traditional methods, including high sensitivity, lightweight design, and the potential for mass manufacturing.
The fundamental biochemical and biophysical indicators related to wound healing such as oxygen levels, pH, temperature, and lactate concentration are essential to assess the progress of wound recovery says Prof. Naydenova. Our holographic sensors can provide real-time, cost-effective, and reliable solutions for monitoring these parameters, which are critical for maintaining astronaut health in space.
Breakthroughs in Holographic Sensor Technology
The TU Dublin team has made remarkable progress in the development of these sensors, producing thermally stable, water-resistant hybrid sol-gel light couplers, which have shown the ability to withstand exposure to water for more than 120 hours. These couplers were integrated into a prototype wound oxygen monitoring system, which uses a 633 nm excitation light and collects luminescence at 700 nm. This system holds promise for real-time oxygen measurement devices, allowing for continuous monitoring of wound healing in space.
In addition, the team has successfully tested wound temperature monitoring sensors, recently publishing their findings in ACS Advanced Optical Materials. The sensors, tailored for specific wound healing needs, demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of TU Dublin’s research in advancing the technology for space missions.
The next step is to find industrial partners to further develop these technologies and bring them to market adds Prof. Naydenova. Our work not only benefits space exploration but also has the potential to revolutionise wound management on Earth, particularly in remote areas where medical facilities are scarce.
A Vision for the Future
Dr Kevin Murphy, Research Fellow and Principal Investigator at IEO, shares a similar ambition for the future of space ready technology. His research in holographic devices and photosensitive materials is focused on creating lightweight, compact solutions that can replace traditional, bulky optical systems used in space. One such initiative, the SpacePHORM project, funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, in collaboration with the University of Galway, aims to develop a photosensitive polyglass material capable of surviving the harsh conditions of space launch and deployment. This innovation could significantly enhance space based optical systems, including free-space optical communications and scientific instruments.
Dr Murphy's research, particularly in wavefront sensors and vision technologies, also plays a key role in advancing the integration of optical systems in space, further contributing to the field's evolution.
Looking to the Stars
TU Dublin’s research in space health and optical technologies showcases the university’s commitment to advancing human space exploration and improving life on Earth. The university’s continued innovation and collaboration with international agencies like the ESA underscore the importance of research in space science and technology, paving the way for more sustainable and safer human exploration of outer space.
For more information on TU Dublin’s research in holography and space technology, visit IEO.