Beyond the technical and psychological knowledge, to be an astronaut of the POT you have to have resistance. The aerospace agency establishes three key physical training to travel to space.
There are less than 400 people who have traveled to space as part of NASA throughout history. Men and women overcoming tremendous tests, both physically and mentally.
Currently, the North American aerospace agency has 18 astronauts in pre-selection, nine men and nine women, for the return of humanity to the Moon in the Artemis Program.
It is expected that between 2023 and 2024 the names of the four chosen to travel will be announced, of which only two will step on the surface of the satellite.
An elite, without a doubt. The best of the best. But, What are the key physical trainings established by NASA to travel to space?
Float in a pool to simulate microgravity
The basic point of physical preparation is the adaptation to microgravity. Unlike on Earth, on the International Space Station there is a short gravity experience, which forces astronauts to float.
NASA created a model of the ship, but under water, so that applicants work in a similar environment, always using a space suit.
It is a swimming pool located in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas.
NASA’s Vomit Comet, a zero-gravity plane
One of the most uncomfortable drills for an aspiring astronaut It is the one of the Vomit Comet, a plane with zero gravity.
The apparatus, which also serves as floating laboratory, make steep ascents and abrupt descents, with 25 seconds of zero gravity.
In charge of the operation, since 2008, the private company Zero Gravity Corporation.
Wilderness survival for astronaut
Finally, an astronaut must prepare for two scenarios: reach the Moon or fall in an emergency in an inhospitable place on Earth.
NASA uses the Arizona desert as a place for applicants to prepare, experimenting with the sensation of heat and humidity. Last October they did it with astronauts from the Artemis Program.
“The Arizona desert has many features that are analogous to a lunar environment, including challenging terrain, interesting geology, and minimal communications infrastructure.” explains the agency. “All this you will experience near the lunar South Pole during the Artemis missions.
Specifically, the astronauts searched for understand lighting conditions at the lunar South Pole and practice with pressurized mobile vehicles.
