Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

VENTILATION DURING SPACEFLIGHT (PHASE 2)

Astronauts face breathing challenges in space due to microgravity. While oxygen devices like masks are used, we don't fully understand how well they work in space. This study uses special flights that create short periods of microgravity, similar to being in space, to test these devices. A previous lab test suggested a specific breathing machine, called the T1 ventilator, was good. Now, this study wants to see how a new helmet, called CaStar UP, compares to a regular oxygen mask on healthy people during these flights. The main idea is that the helmet might be better at keeping oxygen from leaking out, which would make it more effective for astronauts. This research aims to find safer and more efficient ways to help astronauts breathe in space.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville

Enrolment target

Start

16 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

20 Mar 2026

Non-invasive Ventilation

What is this study about?

Imagine being an astronaut in space; it's an amazing experience, but your body reacts differently without gravity. One area that can cause problems is breathing. Sometimes, astronauts might need help breathing with extra oxygen, just like how some people on Earth might use a mask at a hospital.

Researchers are very keen to find the best and safest ways to help astronauts breathe if they ever get into difficulty. They know devices like oxygen masks exist, but they're not entirely sure how well these work when there's no gravity pulling things down. It's important to find out because an emergency in space is much harder to deal with than on Earth.

To study this, scientists use special airplanes that fly in a wavy pattern, creating short bursts of weightlessness, just like being in space. This allows them to test equipment in real-life conditions without actually going to orbit. This study will compare a special "CaStar UP" helmet, which helps deliver oxygen, against a standard oxygen mask to see which one works better for healthy people during these weightless periods. The hope is that the helmet will be better at stopping oxygen from leaking out, making it more effective for future space missions.

Key takeaways

New ways to help astronauts breathe in space are being tested.
This study compares a special oxygen helmet to a standard oxygen mask.
It uses special 'weightless' flights to test equipment in conditions like space.
Healthy volunteers are needed for this important research.
The findings could improve safety for future space missions.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be a healthy person, male or female, between 18 and 65 years old. You also need to be covered by a Social Security scheme (like the NHS in the UK) or have a European or Global Health Insurance Card if you're not from France.

Before taking part, you'll have a medical check-up, similar to what a private pilot would have, to make sure you're fit enough. You also need to agree to join the study and provide your written consent, meaning you understand what you're doing and agree to it.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently been in another medical study and haven't finished its waiting period, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you have flu-like symptoms, tummy upsets, a fever, feel overly anxious about flying, or miss the safety briefing, you won't be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Are you generally healthy?
Do you have a valid UK or European health card?
Have you not taken part in another medical study recently?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you feel well and not have cold or flu symptoms?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study involves doing a special flight that creates short periods of weightlessness. You will be medically checked, similar to a pilot's check-up, to ensure you are fit to fly. During the flight, you will be asked to use different breathing devices, including a special oxygen helmet and a standard oxygen mask, while researchers observe how well they work in microgravity. You will also need to attend a safety briefing before the flight. The total commitment will involve the medical check, the safety briefing, and the flight itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may help us understand the best ways to keep astronauts safe and healthy, especially regarding breathing difficulties in space. While there's no direct medical benefit to you as a participant, your involvement will contribute vital information to future space missions. Potential risks include discomfort from the medical checks or the breathing devices, and the usual risks associated with special parabolic flights, such as motion sickness. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, which will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHR Metz-Thionville
Verified postcode
Metz, France

Common questions

What is a parabolic flight?

It's a special airplane flight that flies in a big up-and-down curve, creating short periods where you feel weightless, just like in space.

Will I go into space for this study?

No, you will not go into space. The study uses special flights on Earth that mimic the feeling of weightlessness in space.

What kind of medical checks will I have?

You'll have a thorough medical check-up, much like those required for private pilots, to ensure you're fit enough for the flight.

Do I get paid for taking part?

The information provided does not mention payment for participation.

What happens if I feel ill during the flight?

Medical staff and researchers will be present to monitor your well-being, and you can stop participating if you feel unwell.

How to find out more

Andreia CARVALHO DE FREITAS

projet-recherche-clinique@chr-metz-thionville.fr 0033387553323 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.