Space Medicine and Human Factors Course Held in Rome from March 3 to 7
The first course on space medicine and human factors was held from March 3 to 7 at the newly renovated Institute for Advanced Training in Aeronautic and Space Medicine of Rome (IPAMAS). The program focused on the scientific study of the physiopathology and adaptability of humans to space living conditions. Thirty civilian and military doctors from across Italy participated.
The course, organized under the aegis of the Logistics Command Medical Service of the Italian Air Force, was born from collaboration between IPAMAS and the Aeronautic and Space Experimental Medicine Division Medical Department at Pratica di Mare (DASAS).
The proceedings opened with a welcome address from the Director of IPAMAS, Brigadier General Ezio Fiore, who emphasized that recent global geostrategic developments have made access to aerospace resources essential for national security. At the same time, the development of the so-called space economy represents a strategic opportunity for anyone wishing to invest in aerospace R&D—yielding significant benefits for both the community and the nation. This, he noted, requires strengthening knowledge and research regarding the physiopathology of the space environment, particularly in the field of deep space exploration.
Course Topics and Structure
The scientific content, curated by the Scientific Director Lieutenant Colonel Paola Verde, covered a wide range of subjects:
- Microgravity, hypobaric environments, and cosmic radiation
- Passive and active protection technologies and methods, including for commercial flights and extravehicular activities
- Changes in physiological and neurocognitive functions
- Atmospheric revitalization systems
- The challenges of human deep space exploration
The course also included:
- An original review of medical fitness requirements for astronaut candidates and spaceflight passengers
- A dedicated section on space law and the international bodies involved
- A module offering an overview of bioregenerative life support systems and food production in space
Contributions from Leading Experts
The organization benefited from the collaboration of renowned Italian scientific figures, including:
- Dr. Gabriella Arrigo and Engineer Gabriele Mascetti from the Italian Space Agency (ASI)
- Professor Mariano Bizzarri and Professor Laura Piccardi from Sapienza University of Rome
- Professor Felice Strollo from IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana in Rome
- Dr. Alberto Battistelli from the National Research Council (CNR)
- Experienced officers of the Aeronautic Medical Corps
The closing session featured a well-received talk by Mr. Giovanni Caprara, columnist for Corriere della Sera, titled “The Return to the Moon and Then Mars: Dream or Necessity?”.
Aim and Certification
The course was aimed at medical professionals to develop knowledge about pathological and physiological changes under aeronautical and spaceflight conditions. It provided cultural and technical enrichment for professionals involved in aerospace medical services. The training is also recognized by ENAC as qualifying educational credits for maintaining authorization to serve as an Aero-Medical Examiner (AME).
About RMAS and IPAMAS
RMAS is the Italian military unit trained in aerophysiological training of flight personnel. It organizes courses ranging from basic introduction to flight physiopathology up to advanced training for experienced personnel and external entities. The unit also serves as a national scientific reference in aerospace medicine.
At the international level, RMAS has contributed officers to international working groups on major aeromedical topics, produced scientific papers published in indexed journals, and participated in international training and update courses.
IPAMAS, named since 2018 in memory of Lieutenant Francesco Paolo Remotti—an Air Force medical officer killed in the Kindu massacre on November 11, 1961—is the Armed Forces entity responsible for secondary training, training, and professional updating in the medical field for all Air Force personnel.
The institute reports directly to the Logistics Command Medical Service, under whose aegis all teaching activities take place. It is also the only Air Force provider accredited by the Agency for Regional Health Services (Agenas, Ministry of Health) for Continuing Medical Education (CME). In addition to training military rescuers and biocontainment operators, IPAMAS conducts many other programs including the basic course in Aeronautic and Space Medicine—open also to civilian healthcare professionals and medical officers from other armed forces. This course is ENAC-accredited and recognized as a prerequisite for obtaining the qualification of Aero-Medical Examiner (AME).
Source: “Logistics Command – Medical Service”
Author:
Lieutenant Colonel Paolo FAZIO