Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31322: Metabolic Space: Monitoring Astronaut Fitness in Orbit

Keeping astronauts healthy during long missions requires precise metabolic tracking. The "Metabolic Space" experiment does exactly that. Led by Tino Schmiel from Technische Universität Dresden and Ralf Henker of CORTEX Biophysik GmbH, the project assesses real-time metabolic responses during exercise in microgravity.

Conducted over several expeditions (55/56, 65, 67, 64, 66), this research uses advanced wearable sensors and respiratory systems developed by CORTEX BIOPHYSIK. These tools measure oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, and ventilation efficiency while astronauts engage in physical activity aboard the ISS.

Understanding these metrics helps fine-tune exercise regimens to mitigate muscle atrophy, bone loss, and cardiovascular deconditioning in space. With accurate data, mission planners can design personalized health protocols for each astronaut.

The Metabolic Space system is compact, wireless, and minimally invasive—making it ideal for use in the constrained environment of the ISS. Its success has also led to Earth-based applications in sports science, rehabilitation, and telemedicine.

By tracking human metabolism in orbit, this experiment lays the groundwork for safer and healthier long-duration spaceflight.

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