Astronaut fitness regimes critical in Tiangong Space Station
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 12, 2024 -
With China's ambitious plans to expand its space missions, the health of astronauts during prolonged spaceflights has become a vital concern. The state-of-the-art equipment aboard the Tiangong Space Station plays a crucial role in ensuring astronaut safety and health in the absence of gravity.The China Manned Space Agency recently shared new footage showcasing crew members participating in intense exercise routines aimed at reducing the adverse effects of long-term microgravity exposure.
Astronauts are required to spend one to two hours daily on physical activities to mitigate issues such as muscle atrophy, irregular heart rhythms, and immune system complications. The station's three modules include areas equipped with rowing machines, treadmills, and resistance devices to support these exercises.
Innovative wearable uniforms fitted with elastic resistance bands help maintain muscle tension and offset the negative impact of microgravity on the body.
Ground-based medical teams continually monitor vital signs such as body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, ensuring constant communication with the crew. The pioneering space-Earth telemedical consultation system, first tested during the Shenzhou XI mission in 2016, allows for real-time transmission of astronaut health data, enabling immediate medical guidance from Earth.
The onboard clinic within the station is furnished with essential medical equipment, including compact cardiopulmonary resuscitators and ultrasound machines, to ensure comprehensive health monitoring and emergency care.
Moreover, astronauts can benefit from a unique feature not available on the International Space Station: traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Recent footage from the Shenzhou XVII mission displayed the use of a TCM diagnostic tool in space, while the Shenzhou XIII crew engaged in zero-gravity acupuncture, attracting widespread attention online.