Connected Care Medical Module (C2M2)
In , five Canadian companies were awarded approximately $2 million each to build their own prototype of the Connected Care Medical Module (C2M2): Baüne, Canadian Space Mining Corporation, CGI, Lunar Medical, and Phyxable.
In Fall , four Canadian companies were awarded approximately $150,000 each to develop the next generation of C2M2s: Baüne, Lunar Medical, CardioComm Solutions and ResusMind. Three of them, Baüne, Lunar Medical and ResusMind, have received up to $650,000 each and will move on to the prototyping phase.
In preparation for missions to the Moon, and one day to Mars, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) is looking to develop technologies that will enable astronauts to monitor their health and handle their medical issues in a more autonomous fashion while they are far from Earth.
In addition to broadening Canada's expertise in the field of space, these technologies could have useful, real-world applications for Canadians. When it comes to healthcare access, some remote communities and Indigenous communities in Canada face challenges similar to those that await astronauts on deep-space missions.
Overview of C2M2s
The C2M2 concept was developed by the CSA. C2M2s are equipped with an AI-based computer system that integrates and connects different medical technologies in order to address specific health issues.
C2M2s allow for certain health conditions to be detected, diagnosed, treated and monitored. They also help:
- improve care in terms of speed, quality and follow-up
- simplify clinical decisions
- reduce the need for medical evacuations, which are often risky and expensive
Use of C2M2s
In the long term, the CSA wishes to further develop the C2M2 concept to better meet the needs of users and patients, both in space and on Earth. The first series of prototypes was built in shipping containers to allow them to potentially be deployed across Canada using the freight transportation system. Some of the modules could be used in healthcare facilities one day, either in remote areas or urban centres.
The second series of C2M2 prototypes is focused on integration of medical technologies and software. This could facilitate their use on the International Space Station, on Gateway, or as part of other space exploration missions.
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen discusses remote healthcare solutions for deep space missions from within a C2M2 prototype at the CSA:
CSA astronaut Jeremy Hansen talks about the training astronauts receive to deal with medical emergencies, bumps and bruises in space. As we travel further into space, medical risk will increase. Canada is exploring technologies to enable astronauts to take care of themselves with less support from the ground. These could also have applications in remote communities. (Credits: CSA, NASA, Fulwell 73 UK Limited)