Adrianos Golemis, a Greek physician working for the European Space Agency (ESA), is playing a crucial role in keeping astronauts healthy and safe during space missions.
The 37-year-old "astronaut doctor" has contributed his medical expertise to six space missions over the past seven years, overseeing astronaut health from pre-launch preparations to post-mission recovery.
As the physician for ESA's European Astronaut Centre, Golemis is responsible for monitoring astronauts' well-being throughout the entire mission cycle.
This involves conducting detailed medical tests, creating personalized health plans, and providing ongoing medical support, including remote consultations during spaceflights.
Golemis recently participated in a student conference in Athens, where he highlighted the challenges of space travel on the human body, such as muscle atrophy, bone loss, and vision changes.
He also emphasized the importance of ongoing research to understand and mitigate the health risks associated with prolonged space exposure.
Golemis' dedication to space medicine underscores Greece's growing potential as a hub for space expertise.
His ambition to become the first Greek astronaut, coupled with his selection as a finalist for a European astronaut position in 2022, further highlights the country's aspirations in space exploration.
Through initiatives like the Hellenic Space Center, Greece is actively encouraging its brightest minds to contribute to the country's expanding role in space research and technology.
Golemis's work serves as an inspiration and a testament to Greece's growing contributions to the global space community.
By Vassilis Goulas