Title:
SANSORI-2 Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome Ocular Rigidity Investigation-2
Agreement Number:
25ISS24-1
Agreement Value:
$1,195,429.00
Agreement Date:
Aug 22, 2025 - Feb 15, 2031
Description:
The Principal Investigator (PI) team has discovered that the eyes of astronauts become softer during spaceflight, and this change in the mechanical properties of the eye may be at the root of a disease that afflicts astronauts. SANS is a condition that hampers vision and affects individuals exposed to microgravity with a pathophysiology that is not yet understood.
This project seeks to:
1) Analyze pulsatile tissue deformation in the optic nerve head (ONH) to determine whether tissue strain is correlated with subsequent edema.
2) Study whether the choroidal response to Valsalva maneuvers can be used as SANS risk factors, and whether Valsalvas play a pathophysiological role.
3) Analyze long-term ocular rigidity (OR) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) normalization, as individuals who suffered SANS are more likely to relapse during new missions.
4) Extend the existing SANSORI cohort to determine if OR alone can be used as a predictive biomarker of SANS severity.
Organization:
Canadian Space Agency
Expected Results:
The Research component of the program provides financial support to organizations to conduct space related research and development in priority areas. It will support targeted knowledge development and innovation to sustain and enhance the Canadian capacity to use space to address national needs and priorities in the future.
Location:
Montréal, Quebec, CA H3T 1J4
Reference Number:
003-2025-2026-Q2-00002
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient's Legal Name:
Montréal University
Program:
Class Grant and Contribution Program to Support Research, Awareness and Learning in Space Science and Technology
Program Purpose:
This program supports knowledge development and innovation in the CSA's priority areas while increasing the awareness and participation of Canadians in space-related disciplines and activities.
The Research Component aims to support the development of science and technology; foster the continual development of a critical mass of researchers and highly qualified people in Canada; and support information gathering and space-related studies and research pertaining to Canadian Space Agency priorities.