Two studies will analyze sleep quality, stress levels and brain anatomy among astronauts throughout their journeys in space.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (March 31, 2025) – Mark Rosenberg, M.D., neurologist and director of the Division of Aerospace and Performance Neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), will be collecting data for two studies in collaboration with the Fram2 spaceflight mission operated by SpaceX.
Fram2, expected to launch tonight from the John F. Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, is the first human spaceflight mission to enter a polar-orbit, flying over the Earth’s polar regions in an entirely new way. The mission has two main goals: to become the first crew to observe and capture the polar regions from low-Earth orbit and to conduct research that advances humanity’s capabilities for long-range space exploration. Fram2 will launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft and is expected to last roughly three to five days.
“To rally behind exploration, curiosity and discovery is tapping into the most fundamental part of being a human,” said Rosenberg. “The neurology studies are a joint effort to ask questions, engage and find solutions so that we can continue moving forward and look toward this new chapter of making humanity interplanetary.”
The first study, in partnership with OURA, the company behind the leading smart ring, will track the changes in sleep quality and stress levels among astronauts before, during and after their spaceflight, using the innovative Oura Ring. This technology is built on a proprietary sensing platform that enables a complete and accurate understanding of a person’s health. This will be the first study examining how sleep changes across an entire mission and providing critical insights into how astronauts can successfully readjust to Earth. “Sleep is the foundation for optimal performance in any environment, and this is even more amplified when a person is under the circumstances of space,” said Rosenberg.
“At Oura, scientific discovery and validation are foundational to our product experience, and we’ve been committed to supporting the scientific community as a clinical research tool since the beginning,” said Geoff Wylde, vice president of Human Performance at Oura. “We are proud to partner with those pushing the boundaries of science to advance human health and performance – from extreme environments like space to medical environments like hospitals and care institutions. Our work with MUSC and research institutions around the world allows us to support researchers and individuals alike in their efforts to support health and well-being.”
The second study will analyze the brain anatomy of astronauts through imaging done immediately upon their return, using a novel mobile Hyperfine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. Historically, astronauts have undergone imaging to track anatomical changes before and after their journeys. However, the delay between an astronaut’s return to Earth and his or her imaging session can distort results. This study seeks to eliminate that delay by capturing precise measurements that reveal how spaceflight alters brain anatomy more effectively than ever before.
MUSC’s Aerospace and Performance Neurology Program is the first specialty-focused aerospace medicine program in the world. Led by Rosenberg, whose work has been nationally and internationally recognized, the team is dedicated to understanding and mitigating the effects of radiation, G-forces, trauma, hypoxia and other operational hazards with their expertise in neurology, radiology, aerospace medicine, military performance and otology.
###
About Fram2
Fram2 is the first polar-orbit human spaceflight mission designed to fly over the polar regions of Earth in an entirely new way. It is named after the Fram ship, which was built in the 1800s and helped explorers first reach the Earth’s polar regions. Fram is Norwegian for “Forward” and was the name of the legendary ship designed to function in the icy polar waters used by some of the first crews to explore the Arctic in the late 1800s. The Fram2 crew consists of Mission Commander Chun Wang, Vehicle Commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, Mission Pilot Rabea Rogge, and Mission Specialist and Medical Officer Eric Philips. Each crewmember has significant experience exploring and capturing the polar regions and brings a unique expertise and perspective to support Fram2. Follow the mission on social media via X (framonauts) and visit F2.com for updates.
About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit musc.edu.
As the health care system of the Medical University of South Carolina, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.
MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.