Living in space can cause many changes in the human body. These changes can also cause serious health problems. In this article, we will give you answers to the questions of why and how astronauts do sports in space.

Why do we need space stations?

Space stations are a vital tool for manned space exploration and research. Space stations allow humans to live in space. This accelerates the exploration of space by increasing the quality of research in space. Research in space helps us learn more about planets, stars and galaxies. It also contributes to the development of space technologies. Life and research systems on space stations are high-tech, and testing their usability in space accelerates technological development.

What are the challenges of living in space?

But living in space can cause many changes in the human body. One of the most important of these changes is muscle and bone loss in the non-gravity environment. For this reason, astronauts serving in space need to exercise regularly.

Why do we need exercise in low gravity conditions?

Exercising on the space station helps astronauts maintain bone density, prevent muscle loss, and maintain physical health. Also, living in space can be psychologically challenging. Therefore, exercising regularly can help astronauts cope with stress.

Special tools are used to exercise in space. These tools are systems that provide resistance to gravity. The intensity and duration of exercises in space are different from exercises on the ground. In addition, exercises in space help astronauts perform their long-term missions and help maintain their health.

How to Exercise on Space Stations That Have Completed Their Mission?

Early astronauts had little opportunity to exercise in space during the time when spacecraft to go to space were very limited. Therefore, astronauts could only exercise for short periods of time. For example, in 1961, Yuri Gagarin was able to move for only a few minutes while performing the Vostok 1 spaceflight.
But over time, special tools were developed for sports in space. First, a special exercise bike was developed for use on the Skylab space station in 1973. In this bike, the muscles are worked by turning the foot pedal while riding the bike.

Later, in the 1990s, exercise equipment was further developed on the Space Shuttle and Mir space stations.

How Do Astronauts Exercise on the International Space Station Today?

Other equipment used for sports in space include exercise bikes, treadmills, rowing machines, and weight-lifting machines. These tools help astronauts prevent muscle and bone loss and maintain their physical health. Exercises in space also support astronauts' psychological health and help them cope with stress.

"Space Station Mobilty Training Simulator", one of the astronaut training simulators in Space Camp Turkey, is used to explain how astronauts exercise in America's first space station Skylab.

 

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