NASA, Google test AI medical assistant for deep-space missions

NASA and Google are collaborating to test an AI-powered medical assistant aimed at supporting astronauts on long-duration space missions, where communication delays with Earth make real-time consultations impossible.

The initiative involves a proof-of-concept system called the Crew Medical Officer Digital Assistant (CMO‑DA), a type of Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). The AI tool is designed to help crews autonomously diagnose and treat medical issues during missions beyond low Earth orbit, including trips to the Moon and Mars, Space writes. 

"Trained on spaceflight literature, the AI system uses cutting-edge natural language processing and machine learning techniques to safely provide real-time analyses of crew health and performance," Google representatives said in an August 8 statement.

Early testing has shown the potential for the AI to deliver reliable diagnoses based on reported symptoms. NASA and Google are now collaborating with doctors to further refine and validate the system.

Long-duration missions pose a unique challenge due to communication delays — for example, a round-trip signal to Mars can take up to 45 minutes. In such scenarios, immediate consultation with Earth-based medical experts is impossible, and rapid evacuation is not an option.

An onboard AI assistant could bridge this critical gap, providing medical guidance when crews must operate independently. Experts also note that the technology could have applications on Earth in remote or challenging environments where access to trained medical personnel is limited.

By Sabina Mammadli