Pediatrics in Space: Costs, medical care, and health management for children beyond earth

As humanity prepares for extended space missions and settlement on other planets, the challenges of pediatric health and well-being demand special attention. Managing the costs of living, healthcare, and specialty care for children in space environments adds complexity to already demanding missions. This paper explores the financial, logistical, and health-related aspects of pediatric care in space, comparing these with Earth-based systems. It also offers strategies for mitigating health risks unique to children in space, including medical screenings, specialized healthcare infrastructure, and developmental monitoring. Drawing insights from space economics, pediatric medicine, and healthcare policy, this paper provides recommendations for sustainable pediatric care frameworks in extraterrestrial environments.