Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32018: Mind/Body Practices for Deep Space Exploration

Space exploration is one of humanity's greatest feats, and as we venture further into the cosmos, ensuring the psychological and physical well-being of astronauts is crucial. The Mind/Body Practices for Deep Space Exploration experiment, led by Francesco Pagnini from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan and developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), explores how different mind and body practices can help astronauts handle the unique stressors of long-duration space missions. As missions grow longer and more isolated, mental and physical health challenges become more prominent. Spacecraft and stations like the ISS provide a unique, confined environment where these challenges can manifest intensely. This experiment, carried out during Expeditions 73 and 74, investigates how mind-body techniques, such as mindfulness and body awareness, can help counteract the effects of space travel on human health. Results from this study are vital for future deep space missions, such as those planned to Mars, where the crew will spend extended periods far from Earth. The success of these practices could lead to protocols that astronauts can use to maintain their mental and physical health over the course of months or even years. Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program for an inside look at the challenges faced by astronauts in deep space exploration.

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.