Google and NASA are collaborating on a new AI-powered tool aimed at enabling autonomous medical care for astronauts during extended space missions, including future journeys to the Moon and Mars.
The project centers on the development of the Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant, an AI-based clinical decision support system designed to help astronauts assess symptoms, identify potential conditions and determine treatment options when contact with Earth is limited or unavailable.
As part of the proof-of-concept phase, the system was trained using spaceflight medical literature and tested on a range of simulated scenarios. Evaluations were conducted using a clinical assessment framework commonly applied in medical education and professional certification. Initial results indicated that the tool could generate reliable diagnostic suggestions based on the symptoms provided.
The AI interface incorporates natural language processing and machine learning capabilities to process user input and offer real-time insights. The tool is intended to support the mission’s designated medical officer, assisting in decision-making during health-related incidents without relying on real-time input from flight surgeons on Earth.
Google and NASA are continuing to work with physicians to refine the model and expand its accuracy across a broader range of medical cases. They are positioning the tool as a potential asset not only for space exploration but also for delivering quality care in remote or resource-limited environments on Earth.
The project was detailed in an Aug. 7 blog post by Google Cloud.
