The Tempus Pro device was tested at two Argentinian Antarctic bases “Belgrano II” and “Carlini”, and due to its practicality and ease of use, will be used for more scientific studies with run by ESA and Argentinian institutions.
Crewmembers in the Argentinian bases will be monitored remotely to assess their exercise regime, eyes and any occurrence of auto-immune diseases or allergies that can flare up during staying in remote and stressful environments.
User checking the Tempus Pro monitor. Credits: ESA
The Belgrano II station is located less than 1300 km from the South Pole, with temperatures that can drop below –35°C. Isolated and built on rocky outcrops, it is often used for studies as living there has similarities with living or working on the Moon or Mars. The Carlini station at South Coast Potter Cove, on King George Island, is less isolated and will allow researchers to compare results with these different, but both very extreme environments.
Carlini Antarctic base. Credits: ESA
ESA is training Argentinian experts from the National Directorate for the Antarctic DNA and the Argentine Antarctic Institute as well as experts from the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and the medical staff staying in Belgrano II for the winter of 2022.
Tempus Pro
The Tempus Pro is a portable device used by doctors around the world to remotely measure parameters such as a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate and temperature, all while transmitting where it is and offering voice communication between the doctors and personnel on site.
Health check for Thomas Pesquet using Tempus Pro. Credits: ESA
When astronauts return to Earth they need immediate medical check-ups and land in remote areas, ESA and its medical team based at the European Astronaut Centre use Tempus Pro to do quick and immediate tests.
It was developed in the UK with funding and support from the Business Applications and Space Solutions (BASS), part of ESA’s Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems programme.
Tempus Pro devices at the European Astronaut Centre. Credits: ESA
Continued cooperation
A letter of intent was signed yesterday by the Secretariat for the Malvinas Islands, Antarctica and the South Atlantic of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship (DNA), ESA and Argentina’s space agency CONAE to widen the scope of Tempus Pro’s use in Antarctica.
ESA and Argentina signature on “Tempus Pro Antártida” cooperation agreement. Credits: ESA
A growing scientific cooperation includes other institutions such as the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina, the National University of Quilmes and the National Scientific and Technical Research Council, CONICET, allowing for further development of scientific and operational projects in the extreme environment of Antarctica in the context of ESA preparation for further exploration of our solar system.