‘Houston We Have a Podcast’ is an official NASA podcast exploring a wide range of topics within the world of human spaceflight, “From Earth orbit to the Moon and Mars.” In Episode 339 of the podcast, host Kenna Pell sits down with Shane Farritor, robotics engineer, and Dr. Theodoros Voloyiannis, surgeon, to explore the revolutionary advancements in robotic surgery aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Listen to the episode here

In the episode, Farritor shares his journey from a NASA internship to co-founding Virtual Incision, a company aimed at "simplifying surgical procedures with advanced robotics." He discusses the development of the MIRA robotic surgery system through this company and its successful mission on the ISS, a culmination of years of hard work and collaboration.

The conversation details the objectives and execution of the ISS technology demonstration, where the MIRA robot performed simulated surgical tasks to test communication protocols and latency. Farritor and Voloyiannis share insights on the experiments conducted, including surgeons on Earth controlling the robot in real-time and the technical adjustments made for the space environment.

The episode dives into the meticulous preparation for the ISS mission, including adapting the MIRA robot for space conditions and ensuring it could operate in microgravity. The team conducted extensive simulations, working closely with NASA engineers and scientists to overcome initial challenges.

Dr. Voloyiannis, with extensive experience in minimally invasive surgery, joined the Virtual Incision project to "push the boundaries of surgical technology." He reflects on his first impressions of MIRA and its potential to "revolutionise surgery" by enhancing precision and accessibility.

They also describe the hands-on experience, emphasising the challenges of latency and depth perception, and how they were overcome. The episode highlights the ongoing data analysis and future goals, such as commercialising MIRA technology on Earth and exploring further space-based research opportunities.

Reflecting on the mission's success, Voloyiannis expresses his excitement for the future, calling it "the beginning of a new era in surgery." Farritor shares his optimism about the impact of telesurgery on global healthcare, envisioning a future where advanced surgical care is accessible in remote areas.

Don't miss this fascinating episode that not only celebrates a groundbreaking achievement but also sets the stage for the far-reaching future of intergalactic surgery.