July 18, 2008
Using Cadavers To Test Orion
NASA's Use of Human Cadavers In Testing the Design of the Orion Spacecraft, SpaceRef
"I recently learned that NASA has made some limited use of human cadavers in testing during the development of the Orion spacecraft. Now, on first blush, this might sound somewhat macabre. In fact, it is more common than you might expect. There is also a practical reason for using this approach.
Let me start by providing the statement that the NASA Public Affairs Office provided me with today in response to an inquiry I made regarding the use of human cadavers in the Orion program: ..."
NASA used cadavers in Orion landing tests, Houston Chronicle
"Personnel working under contract for NASA used cadavers in tests to develop landing systems, spacesuits and seats in the new Orion moonship, space agency officials said Friday. Three human bodies were used in the tests at Ohio State University Medical Center last summer and fall."
NASA: getting more macabre, Nature
"Yesterday it was wee, well today the testing phase for the Orion spacecraft, that will take the place of the space shuttle, has taken a more sinister turn."
Posted by kcowing at July 18, 2008 11:39 PM
It is in fact very common, particularly in the automobile industry. Though personally, I can't look at photos or videos of it for longer than a few seconds.
Posted by: justme at July 18, 2008 10:00 AMWhere do I sign up?
Posted by: nexstarman at July 18, 2008 1:11 PMSounds like NASA may be catching up to the automakers ... perhaps there is hope yet.
The testing won't kill the cadivers. Maybe the results will help to design spacecraft and inspire automakers to save and extend lives in the future. Maybe 5 star car ratings will be replaced by 6 star car safety ratings within a decade ... and maybe with NASA as the inspiration this time instead of the student.
ActuaLLY, I had always presumed/assumed that when one donates there body for science, the science referred to was medical science and training of physicians - not for engineering design. I don't think it is a bad thing PROVIDED there is full disclosure at the time of agreeing to the donation how one's body might be used. I have no idea nor will I have a reason to inquire.
Posted by: observer at July 20, 2008 11:04 AMI think,there is no wrong to test the safty and landing ok.Human cadaver may be used to test the system.
It is good that,NASA is doing good job.
