Space Life Support Engineering and Biomechatronics Towards the Moon and Mars: A Scoping Review

Manned travel to and colonization of the Moon and Mars demand a comprehensive approach that extends far beyond the ability to transport humans on powerful rockets and spacecraft. The sustain ability of human life in these hostile environments is a critical consideration, prompting extensive research to understand how humans might survive and establish themselves beyond Earth. Therefore, this article covers a scoping review, and a point of view of the most relevant published papers is analyzed. The results reveal that the continuous evolution of medical technology and risk analysis have facilitated improved design, research, and development in crucial areas such as engineering and biomedical sciences. Space life support encompasses three fundamental issues: human health and performance, environmental control and habitability, and radiation risks. These aspects are pivotal in ensuring the survival and well-being of astronauts during extended missions in space, which are critical to overcome the technological and biological challenges posed by exploring and colonizing extraterrestrial environments. In addition, the significant challenges associated with manned travel and colonization of other celestial objects underscore the need for continued innovation and collaboration across various scientific and engineering disciplines. Finally, as technological and scientific advancements continue, the prospect of colonizing the Moon and Mars becomes increasingly achievable, paving the way for the next chapter in human exploration and expansion into the cosmos.