GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida emergency medicine physician is helping shape the future of human spaceflight by bridging the gap between medicine and engineering.
Dr. Peter Alexandrov, a member of UF’s Astraeus Space Institute and the College of Medicine, recently completed a two-month rotation with VAST, a private aerospace company working to launch the world’s first commercial space station. Based in Long Beach, California, VAST aims to develop human-support systems for long-term missions in space.
During his time with the company, Alexandrov worked alongside lead flight surgeon Dr. Dana Levin and engineering teams specializing in propulsion, human systems, and space nutrition. The rotation was part of Alexandrov’s broader effort to integrate clinical knowledge into the design of spaceflight systems — a critical component of the emerging field of space medicine.
“Historically, there’s been a disconnect between medical and engineering processes,” Alexandrov said. “But both are about managing risk. Bridging those gaps is essential to helping humanity establish a long-term presence in space.”
He emphasized that the challenges of maintaining health in space go far beyond those faced on Earth. “Health becomes even more complex in spaceflight,” Alexandrov said. “But the human body — and our adaptability — can actually contribute to mission success. Think about Apollo 13. Designing space systems from the ground up with human well-being in mind is key to successful exploration and colonization.”
Now back at UF, Alexandrov is launching a space medicine initiative through the College of Medicine. The program includes plans for one of the nation’s first space medicine fellowships and aims to establish UF as a leader in training physicians for space-based missions.
The Astraeus Space Institute, which brings together experts from medicine, engineering, and space science, is focused on developing solutions for sustained human life beyond Earth.
“It’s not just about surviving in space,” Alexandrov said. “It’s about living — how we eat, work, and thrive. This isn’t science fiction anymore. Future space physicians will help design missions from the inside out, and we’re laying that foundation right here at UF.”
