Introduction
Humans first set foot on the Moon on July 20, 1969. It was an iconic moment that captivated the world and marked a significant milestone in space exploration.
Many may not know that among the carefully selected medicines aboard Apollo 11 was acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin. This unassuming pill, the intellectual property of Bayer, played a crucial role in the historic lunar journey.
In this article, we embark on a medical journey back in time to explore the fascinating connection between aspirin and the Apollo 11 mission.
The Unknowns of Manned Space Travel
In the infancy of manned space travel, little was known about the effects of a space mission on the human body.
It was a voyage into the unknown, with many questions regarding how the human organism would cope with the challenges of space. Astronauts would experience lengthy periods of zero gravity, extreme accelerations, and other stressors not encountered on Earth.
In order to meticulously prepare the astronauts, a series of comprehensive tests were administered. NASA, the US space agency, aimed its focus not merely on physical conditioning but also on agility, endurance, and the capacity to manage stress.
One anecdote tells of NASA candidates having to keep their feet in ice-cold water for seven minutes to prove their motivation. While short periods of weightlessness could be simulated, the long-term effects on the human body remained uncertain.
Animal Pioneers in Space
To avoid exposing humans to incalculable risks, the first test subjects sent into space were animals. A Soviet dog named Laika and two American chimpanzees, Ham and Enos, became famous pioneers of space travel. Only after these animals safely returned from their missions did humans follow suit.
Yuri Gagarin‘s historic flight in 1961 made him the first human in space, and the medical observation during his two-hour journey provided valuable insights. The effects of eating, drinking, and swallowing in space were studied to understand how the human body would function under weightless conditions.
Medicines for Manned Space Missions
During the early manned space flights, such as the Mercury missions, NASA continuously monitored the astronauts’ physiological parameters, including respiratory rate, blood pressure, cardiac function, and body temperature.
The onboard pharmacy was equipped with medications to address potential medical risks, as taking tablets in sealed spacesuits was not feasible. Instead, four syringes were incorporated into the suits to administer necessary drugs automatically, providing relief from pain, shock, dizziness, or fatigue if needed.
Both the Soviet Union and the United States put together onboard pharmacies for their astronauts, ensuring they were well-prepared to combat various health issues. The list of priority drugs defined by NASA included acetylsalicylic acid, the key ingredient of aspirin.
The Medicines That Helped the Apollo 11 Astronauts Walk on the Moon
Medicines on Apollo 11
| No. | Name of Medicine |
|---|---|
| 1 | Aspirin |
| 2 | Codeine |
| 3 | Dexamethasone |
| 4 | Diazepam |
| 5 | Ephedrine |
| 6 | Hydralazine |
| 7 | Ipecac |
| 8 | Loperamide |
| 9 | Meclizine |
| 10 | Naloxone |
| 11 | Penicillin |
| 12 | Phenobarbital |
| 13 | Promethazine |
| 14 | Scopolamine |
| 15 | Tetracycline |
These medicines were used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, fever, diarrhea, motion sickness, and allergic reactions. They were also used to prevent blood clots and to treat infections.
The Apollo 11 astronauts were also equipped with an automatic injection system that could be used to administer drugs in the event of an emergency.
This system was used to administer morphine to Neil Armstrong after he injured his ankle during the lunar landing.
The medicines on board the Apollo 11 mission were essential for the astronauts’ health and safety. They helped to keep the astronauts healthy during the long and challenging journey to the Moon.
The Space Race and Aspirin’s Role
The race to conquer space was fiercely competitive between the USSR and the USA. After Gagarin’s groundbreaking flight, the Soviet Union achieved several other milestones in space exploration. Meanwhile, the USA’s President, John F. Kennedy, set an ambitious goal to land on the Moon before the end of the 1960s.
In 1968, Apollo 8, with astronauts Frank Borman, Bill Anders, and James Lovell, orbited the Moon, capturing stunning photos of Earth. However, it was Apollo 11, launched in 1969, that captured the world’s attention as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the Moon. The mission was a historic moment, and the drugs on board, including aspirin, played a crucial role in ensuring the astronauts’ well-being.
Aspirin’s Presence on Apollo 11
The drug inventory of Apollo 11 reveals the significance of aspirin during the mission. The Columbia command module’s medical kit for the three astronauts contained 72 aspirin tablets, among other medications. The Eagle Moon lander also carried 12 aspirin tablets, along with other medical supplies.
It is worth noting that the aspirins on board were of American origin and not produced by Bayer in the United States. Bayer had to relinquish its patent on aspirin in the US after World War I. Nevertheless, the aspirin used in the lunar capsule was based on Bayer’s intellectual property, a testament to Felix Hoffmann’s invention at the end of the 19th century.
Buzz Aldrin’s Memories of Space and Aspirin
In 2013, on the occasion of Bayer’s 150th anniversary, the company had the opportunity to interview Buzz Aldrin about his experiences in space.
Buzz Aldrin, one of the first two people to walk on the Moon, shared his memories of the historic Apollo 11 mission and the importance of medical supplies. He emphasized that having aspirin on board provided a sense of reassurance to the astronauts.
Space Travel Beyond Apollo 11
Since the Apollo 11 mission, space travel has come a long way, with permanent manned space stations and voyages into near-Earth orbit becoming routine. The International Space Station (ISS), continuously occupied by astronauts since 2000, is equipped with an expanded range of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.
One significant challenge in space travel is ensuring the stability of drugs over extended periods. Increased radiation in space can affect the shelf life of medications, necessitating the regular replacement of the ISS pharmacy contents.
However, with ambitions of future missions to Mars lasting several years, addressing the issue of drug stability becomes even more critical. NASA recognizes the importance of medical expertise in such endeavors and has stipulated that future Mars-bound missions will include at least one doctor.
A Pill that Made History
Aspirin, a humble pill that has been used for various medical purposes for over a century, made its mark on the historic Apollo 11 mission.
Its presence in the onboard pharmacy underscored its importance in addressing potential health concerns during space travel.
As we commemorate the 54th anniversary of this momentous event, let us not forget the vital role aspirin played in making the journey to the Moon a success.
FAQ
1. What is aspirin?
Aspirin is a medication that is commonly used to relieve pain, fever, and inflammation. It is also used to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin is a derivative of salicylic acid, which is a naturally occurring compound found in willow bark.
2. What was the role of aspirin in the Apollo 11 mission?
Aspirin was one of the medications that was included in the onboard pharmacy for the Apollo 11 mission. It was used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Aspirin was also used to prevent blood clots, which can be a serious problem in space.
3. Why was aspirin so important for the Apollo 11 mission?
The Apollo 11 mission was a long and challenging journey. The astronauts were exposed to a variety of stressors, including weightlessness, radiation, and extreme temperatures. Aspirin helped to protect the astronauts from these stressors and to keep them healthy during the mission.
4. What are the other medications that were included in the onboard pharmacy for the Apollo 11 mission?
The other medications that were included in the onboard pharmacy for the Apollo 11 mission included antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal medications, and motion sickness medication.
5. What are the future implications of aspirin in space travel?
Aspirin is likely to continue to play an important role in space travel. As space travel becomes more challenging and complex, the need for effective medications will become even more important. Aspirin is a safe and effective medication that can help to protect astronauts from a variety of medical conditions.
For more detailed information about the Apollo 11 astronauts and their global journey after their historic trip to the moon, check out our Apollo 11 Astronauts’ World Tour article.