Altitude Decompression Sickness Risk Prediction Research

High altitude exposure in aircraft hypobaric chambers and with extravehicular- activity (EVA) in space results in an inherent risk of altitude decompression sickness (DCS). In the past general guidelines for safer altitude exposures have been developed through costly time-consuming studies each specific to unique scenarios of altitude exposure. Rapidly changing technology in aircraft design and mission requirements demand improved capabilities in predicting DCS risk during mission planning and execution.