Space Medicine: Scientific Foundations, Achievements, and Challenges

This article, based on a report presented at the Scientific Session of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlights the history of the formation of space medicine, its theoretical foundations, and the role of scientists of the Academy of Sciences in the preparation and implementation of the first manned flight into space. The achievements of domestic specialists in space physiology, biology, and medicine promoting the development of manned cosmonautics are considered. Examples are given of the implementation of the results of space research, as well as instruments and devices for medical support of space crews, into practical health care. The problems of medical support of future interplanetary flights and the ways of their solution are analyzed.