Engineers build the vessel, but medical teams ensure the crew survives the trip. In this episode of The Space Nurse Podcast, we bridge the gap between the bedside and the launchpad with Colin Hills, RN, a NASA HMS Operations Specialist supporting the International Space Station and the Artemis program.

From the high-pressure environments of Level 1 Trauma centers to the technical complexities of Mission Control, Colin explains how a background in austere medicine prepares nurses for the rigors of spaceflight. We dive deep into the concept of "Systems Thinking," the necessity of planning for your "second worst failure," and what it really means for a clinician to be the vital "Human in the Loop" within aerospace engineering. Whether you are looking to translate your clinical jargon into "NASA-speak" or want a behind-the-scenes look at 800-page medical checklists, this episode is your blueprint for the future of nursing in the final frontier.

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Colin said your first priority is to learn "your patient" you can do that with me by joining The Space Nurse® Academy, learn about the 5 hazards of space flight AND what microgravity does to EACH body system. What NASA knows and what they don't know (the gaps WE need to solve). PENDING approval for Florida Board of Nursing CEUs (valid in 48 states!)

Do you think the upcoming Artemis moon mission is a groundbreaking milestone? Or a rerun of past space endeavors, full of hype and political pivots? Christine Rincon, ICU nurse turned space medicine advocate, unpacks the myths and realities behind this modern-day space race — revealing why the headlines might be overselling what’s really happening on and off the lunar surface.

In this eye-opening hot take micro episode, Christine digs into the real science behind Artemis, from water ice on the lunar south pole to cutting-edge organ-on-a-chip tech testing how space radiation affects human DNA. She busts myths about the mission’s cost, scientific progress, and the true reason we're headed back to the moon — and why it all matters for humanity’s future. Spoiler: it's not just about rockets or political strategy — it’s about survival, diversity, and the innovations that could revolutionize healthcare on Earth.

You’ll discover:

• Why the Artemis mission targets the lunar south pole and the significance of water ice for future explorers
• The surprising truth about NASA’s budget and why space spending is more a matter of priorities than costs
• How space medical research, like astronaut CPR testing and organ-on-a-chip development, could radically improve healthcare here on Earth
• The political dance behind decades of spaceflight pivots, broken promises, and shifting goals that keep public interest teetering
• Why true innovation in space requires diverse minds and leadership that reflect humanity’s full spectrum — not just strategic dominance

This episode is perfect for space enthusiasts, healthcare professionals, engineers, and anyone frustrated by the hype and tired of the politics overshadowing science. If you've ever wondered why our moon missions seem caught in a loop — or how space tech can revolutionize medicine — this is essential listening.

Join Christine Rincon, an ICU nurse with over a decade of experience, as she bridges the worlds of medicine and engineering to reveal what’s really at stake in our pursuit of the stars. Whether you’re a clinician, a space fanatic, or just curious about humanity’s next giant leap, this conversation will challenge your perceptions and inspire action.

Why settle for reruns when we can write the future? Tune in and get inspired to see space exploration as a vital pathway to saving lives both on Earth and beyond.

Are you wondering how The Space Nurse can help you? Check us out at the Space Nurse Website!

Learn space medicine at the Space Nurse Academy

Discover how Dr. Devjoy Dev merges biomedical engineering, space medicine, and science communication to shape the future of human space exploration. From sleep in space to hackathons and public outreach, this episode dives into cutting-edge topics and innovative projects driving the industry forward.

In this episode:

✨ Dr. Devjoy Dev shares his diverse background, including space medicine, sleep biology, and neuroengineering

✨ Insights into how microgravity affects sleep and circadian regulation, including the role of sunlight and regulators like Zeitgebers

✨ The potential and ethics of genetically engineering humans for space resilience

✨ The evolution of interdisciplinary roles in space exploration, from engineers to healthcare professionals

✨ His ongoing projects: Humans of the Sky and a comprehensive book on the future of space medicine

✨ The significance of effective science communication amid social media and AI advancements

Also... Ethan Hawke was in Gattaca! 🤣

Follow Dr Devjoy on his website

Check out the Humans of the Sky on the website and on instagram @humansofthesky_