Understanding how the human body copes with microgravity is the focus of many experiments on the International Space Station. While it takes about two weeks for astronauts to get used to being in space, keeping track of how the body is doing, especially during exercise, can help researchers understand how astronauts can best be assisted in orbit.
On his Huginn mission, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen will exercise with the SpaceWear monitor strapped to his chest to measure vital health parameters, such as skin temperature and heart rate.
Small size, big impact
SpaceWear is a device about the size of a watch that Andreas straps around his torso while exercising. It monitors a range of health indicators like the heart rate and its variability, respiratory rate, how the body is orientated and moves and the skin temperature. All of this at 1000 times a second and with a 10-hour battery life.
"There are already health monitors in use on the International Space Station, but what sets the SpaceWear monitor apart from these is the frequency and quality of the data that it measures. Along with a long battery life, we are looking forward to seeing how the SpaceWear monitor can help astronauts in their daily life on the Space Station," says Thomas Andersen, CEO of Danish Aerospace Company that developed the device.
From astronaut to firefighter
The SpaceWear monitor is designed for extreme environments. Andreas's testing on the Space Station could open up applications for dangerous situations. For example, firefighters deal with high heat, heavy equipment, and physically demanding work, SpaceWear could monitor and provide medical personnel details to help prevent any serious health problems and take measures to avoid them.
The health tracker can also all who practice extreme sports, such as drivers experiencing high g-forces during motorsports and climbers ascending high mountains in a thin atmosphere.
Related Links
Huginn Mission at ESA
Human and Robotic Exploration
Space Medicine Technology and Systems
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