OUR MISSION
The Institute of Health Beyond Earth advances research and innovation in natural and holistic medicine to address the unique challenges of space exploration. We bridge critical gaps in space health and champion a future that is accessible, inclusive, and grounded in the balance of mind, body, and spirit - empowering all humans to thrive beyond Earth with resilience, dignity, and wellbeing.
HEALTH BEYOND EARTH CHANGEMAKERS
Chinese Medicine Spacesuit
Our groundbreaking design integrates traditional medicine with modern space technology.
Enhanced Flexibility
Following meridian pathways for improved mobility
Acupressure Integration
Built-in points to alleviate space-related ailments
Sensory Well-being
Improved comfort and user experience in space
Events, presentations, and collaborations.
Our
Impact
We're pioneering the integration of holistic medicine principles into space exploration, creating real-world innovations and advancing knowledge in this emerging field.
The making of the suit.
Research & Conferences
Participating in prestigious space medicine events and collaborating with industry experts and leaders.
Participating at prestigious NASA ISSRDC conferences.
Presenting our findings at the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop.
Advancing holistic approaches to space medicine
OUR STORY
Dr. Michelle Yan, DSOM, LAc.
Founder & Executive Director
Institute of Health Beyond Earth
Doctor of Chinese Medicine | Acupuncture Physician | Herbalist & Educator
Path Solaris
One question in particular sparked an unexpected journey - “Can Chinese medicine work in space?”
Our founder, Dr. Michelle Yan, has always been driven by curiosity.
One question in particular sparked an unexpected journey - “Can Chinese medicine work in space?”
In 2015, she shared this idea with Dr. Cameron Smith, an anthropologist and DIY spacesuit maker. To her surprise, he was open to the concept. Encouraged by this, she continued exploring the intersection of integrative medicine and space technology.
A year later, she presented “Classical Chinese Medicine in Space” at the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The event fueled her passion, leading her to work alongside Dr. Smith, designing spacesuits with a biological perspective. She quickly realized that building a spacesuit mirrored re-creating the human body, reinforcing the idea that integrative medicine could play a role in space health.
"Classical Chinese Medicine in Space" at the Lan Su Chinese Garden
In 2017, Dr. Yan took her research further, presenting at the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop, where space scientists and engineers gathered to explore the future of human space travel. Her poster highlighted how Chinese medicine was already being used in astronaut programs. A year later, she completed and published her capstone thesis, “Classical Chinese Medicine for Human Health in Space”, solidifying her commitment to advancing this field.
Determined to continue the research, Dr. Yan sought support from mentors and peers. With their encouragement, she founded the Institute of Health Beyond Earth in July 2022 - a nonprofit dedicated to exploring how natural and integrative medicine can help humans thrive beyond Earth.
Innovating Health for Life Beyond Earth
Advancing research and innovation in natural and holistic medicine to address the unique challenges of space exploration.
Snapshot highlights from “Dr. Michelle Yan's story - Why Classical Chinese Medicine in Space?"
