What specific data transmission capability did NASA mandate the creation of systems for during astronaut missions?
Wireless and reliable transmission of ECG, blood pressure, and other critical physiological measurements
The core technological hurdle NASA needed to overcome during the Space Race involved ensuring the continuous and reliable monitoring of astronauts' health far from Earth. This necessity drove the development of standardized systems designed specifically for the automated, real-time transmission of physiological data. These systems had to capture vital signs such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and blood pressure readings, and transmit them wirelessly across vast distances back to Mission Control. This focus on robust, miniaturized, and power-efficient signal transmission became the immediate technological foundation upon which terrestrial remote monitoring systems were built shortly after.
