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Capabilities

All Human Health and Performance functions are ultimately aimed at achieving our mission, “HH&P capabilities enable optimization of human health and performance throughout all phases of spaceflight.” Browse to view all capabilities or explore by category to the right.

Human Health  
Space Environment
Human Performance and Human Systems Engineering
NASA Astronaut Ed White made history when he floated out of the hatch of his Gemini 4 capsule into the void of space. capabilities
NASA Astronaut Ed White made history on June 3, 1965, when he floated out of the hatch of his Gemini 4 capsule into the void of space. The first American “spacewalk” – or Extravehicular Activity (EVA) – lasted 23 minutes, not nearly long enough for White. He later said the spacewalk was the most comfortable part of the mission, and said the order to end it was the “saddest moment” of his life. White was attached to the capsule by a 25-foot umbilical cord. He initially used a gas-powered gun held in his hand to maneuver. After the first three minutes, the fuel ran out and White moved around by twisting his body and pulling on the cord. This photograph of White’s spacewalk was taken by Gemini 4 Commander James McDivitt, still inside the spacecraft.
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Our Organization

Explore our organization's functions and services.

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Mission and Goals

HH&P is the primary organization focused on enhancing crew health and performance and mitigating the risks associated with human spaceflight.

Leadership Team

Learn about the Human Health and Performance Directorate leaders.

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Products

Human Health and Performance provide unique products and services required to maintain astronaut health and performance during and after long-duration space exploration.

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Human System Risks

Risk is inherent in human spaceflight. However, specific risks can and should be understood, managed, and mitigated to reduce threats posed to astronauts.

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Education Outreach

HH&P offers a wide variety of educational opportunities ranging from short internships to in-depth research fellowships and NASA grants.