In our insatiable interest in space, imagine that we humans manage to overcome the challenges that prevent us from going beyond the Moon and go on a journey. long and difficult journey to mars. Depending on the launch velocity, it will take us between 150 and 300 days to reach the red planet, but what if any of the crew is diagnosed with appendicitis during that time? Is it possible to intervene from the middle?

NASA believes MIRA could be the solution. about a small surgical robot It is under development by researchers at the University of Nebraska and is expected to be able to operate autonomously in space. This last feature of the robot is essential for deep space expeditions, where as the spacecraft moves away, it will take longer for radio waves to be remotely controlled to reach their destination.

BAK, first stop: ISS

But before it can ensure the health of the astronauts traveling to Mars, the robot must pass a series of rigorous tests on Earth and in space. Fortunately, we currently have two operational space stations in orbit. Tiangong from CNSA and ISS from NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA and CSA. As it is a project supported by US agency, MIRA is expected to go to the ISS in 2024 to begin testing.

Once aboard the ISS, the scientists will have the opportunity to evaluate the surgeon robot’s operation in space for the first time and prepare it for future operations remotely and unaided. For example, in the past, former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson has managed to perform “surgery-like missions” by controlling MIRA from the Johnson Space Center in Houston, 900 kilometers from the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

The main advantages this robot will have, according to its creators, is that it can make small cuts to insert its instruments and perform. less invasive and cumbersome surgical procedures. Another advantage is that it has two modes of operation: fully autonomous for less complex situations and via remote control for interventions that require an expert to manage the entire process.

While remote-controlled surgery won’t be an option for a ship traveling to Mars (remember the communication delay), it can be very useful if you’re establishing a colony. A specialist can operate on the red planet, miles away from a base with an operating room.. This scenario can also be applied on Earth, preventing the doctor from moving from one place to another to do his job.

However, researchers still have a lot of work to do. NASA and the United States Army have made various monetary contributions to support the development of the surgeon robot. In addition, Virtual Incision, the company responsible for the commercial development of the project, receives money from outside investors.

Next is adapting the robot to be robust enough to withstand harsh take-off conditions and operate in one of the ISS lab cabinets about the size of a microwave. Of course, it will not yet work completely autonomously. He is expected to be able to perform surgery without any assistance in 50 years or more.

on Xataka | NASA sets a launch date for Artemis I, the first major step in man’s return to the Moon