ABSTRACT
NASA has long used ground-based analogs for spaceflight training and research purposes. A variety of analog facilities exist throughout the world each with its own unique set of characteristics. Analogs such as bed rest and dry immersion are best suited to examine physiological adaptations of spaceflight. Isolation analogs are ideal for investigating behavioral health consequences as related to spaceflight. The isolated confined extreme environment (ICE) takes advantage of the extreme environments found in places like Antarctic stations and the Aquarius undersea habitat. Isolated confined controlled (ICC) analogs provide a structured environment for controlled research. Development of a high fidelity analog is critical for research success and provides a useful platform for testing tools and countermeasures prior to using them in spaceflight. Implementing multiple investigations in an analog platform requires integration of studies to avoid confounds and careful selection of participants to closely match the astronaut population. Analog research will become increasingly more important to address research questions as NASA moves toward deep space exploration.
