Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #32653: How Astronauts’ Oxygen Capacity Evolves on Long Space Missions

In human spaceflight, physical fitness is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Long-term exposure to microgravity can affect every system in the body, especially the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The experiment titled 'Evaluation of Maximal Oxygen Uptake and Submaximal Estimates of VO2max Before, During, and After Long Duration International Space Station Missions' is an intensive research effort led by Alan Moore Jr., Ph.D., to investigate how an astronaut’s ability to use oxygen changes over time in space.

VO2max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is a key indicator of cardiovascular endurance. By measuring VO2max before, during, and after missions aboard the ISS, scientists can determine how microgravity impacts aerobic capacity and how effectively astronauts recover post-mission. Data was collected from various expeditions ranging from 19/20 to 33/34, incorporating inputs from both NASA’s Human Research Program and the European Space Agency (ESA).

This research helps space agencies refine countermeasures such as exercise protocols, ensuring astronauts maintain optimal health and performance. The outcomes are also applicable back on Earth, especially in medical rehabilitation and training programs for athletes and patients alike.

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