New Delhi, May 6: Maintaining the physical and mental health of astronauts during long missions in space is a significant challenge for space agencies. Nutrition and daily exercise play vital roles in mitigating the effects of microgravity on the body.
NASA, the American space agency, manages these aspects through specially designed programs to ensure astronauts remain healthy and fit throughout their missions.
Nutrition is crucial for maintaining astronauts’ health. Proper nourishment before, during, and after missions helps them perform better. The food available on the space station not only meets physical needs but also holds psychological and social importance. Experts at NASA’s Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston prepare nutritious and tasty meals, allowing astronauts to choose their favorite dishes.
This choice helps maintain morale during long missions. NASA’s nutrition specialists determine the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and calories based on each astronaut’s needs. Each astronaut logs their entire diet daily using a tablet-based app, and this data is reviewed weekly. Additionally, blood and urine samples are analyzed before, during, and after missions to study the body’s response to microgravity, radiation, and other factors.
So, why is exercise essential for astronauts? Scientists explain that the absence of Earth’s gravity in microgravity leads to weakened bones, shrinking muscles, and affected cardiovascular health. To combat these effects, every astronaut is required to exercise for two and a half hours daily on the space station. This exercise program is designed to maintain muscle strength, bone density, aerobic capacity, and sensory-motor health.
Key equipment available on the station includes the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED), the T2 treadmill for walking and running, and the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS) for cardiovascular health.
NASA’s flight surgeons tailor diet and fitness routines to each astronaut’s individual condition, as each person’s body reacts differently to the effects of space. To support mental health, astronauts have access to family contact, video calls, crew care packages, and psychological assistance when needed. The station is equipped with full medical facilities and a trained crew for emergencies.
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