Tag: astronaut health

  • Why these volunteers are in bed for 60 days straight

    Why these volunteers are in bed for 60 days straight

    A group of volunteers is spending two months lying in bed—with their feet up and one shoulder always touching the mattress—even while eating, showering, and using the toilet. But why? This extreme bedrest study is helping scientists understand how space travel affects the human body and how to keep astronauts healthy on long missions.

    Microgravity causes muscle and bone loss, fluid shifts, and other physiological changes similar to those experienced by bedridden patients on Earth. By studying volunteers here on Earth, researchers can develop better countermeasures for astronauts and even improve treatments for medical conditions like osteoporosis.

    In this study, participants are divided into three groups: one stays in bed with no exercise, another cycles in bed to mimic astronaut workouts, and a third cycles while being spun in a centrifuge to simulate artificial gravity. Scientists hope artificial gravity could become a key tool in protecting astronauts during deep-space missions.

    Could you handle 60 days in bed for the sake of space exploration? Let us know in the comments!

    Credits: ESA – European Space Agency

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  • Would you spend 60 days in a submarine? 🌊

    Would you spend 60 days in a submarine? 🌊

    From the deep sea to outer space! Submarines are helping scientists’ study how humans adapt to extreme environments — just like astronauts on long space missions.

    What we learn underwater today could shape the future of space exploration tomorrow.

    📹 ESA – European Space Agency
    📸 ESA/Portuguese Space Agency/Portuguese Navy

    #ESA #Submarine #SpaceExploration

  • Muscle stimulation to enhance astronaut health

    Muscle stimulation to enhance astronaut health

    Space exploration presents unique health challenges for astronauts due to lack of gravity, isolation, and radiation exposure. ESA’s SciSpacE activities aim to comprehend these effects and their implications for human well-being during extended missions.

    ESA collaborates with researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity and analogue environments, shedding light on the consequences of space stressors. One critical concern is muscle and bone atrophy. Despite daily exercise routines, astronauts face deterioration. ESA is investigating electrical stimulation as a potential countermeasure, with tests planned on board the International Space Station.

    The “Muscle Stimulation” experiment is a centrepiece of this research. By applying controlled electric currents to leg muscles, the study aims to enhance muscle mass, strength, and recovery. Complementary assessments, including MRI scans, microcirculation analysis, and blood samples, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy.

    Addressing these challenges could yield benefits on Earth too. The insights gained could translate to better healthcare for diverse populations, from the elderly to clinical patients and athletes.

    ESA’s dedication to advancing space exploration while safeguarding astronauts’ physical health underscores its commitment to a sustainable and thriving space programme. Through research and innovative solutions, humanity edges closer to conquering the challenges of extended spaceflight and improving life on our home planet.

    Credits: ESA – European Space Agency

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    We are Europe’s gateway to space. Our mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. Check out https://www.esa.int/ to get up to speed on everything space related.

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