Testing Exercise Equipment in Weightless Conditions
Olympic medallist Matthew Wells rows with maximum effort as his body begins to float for 22 seconds. Instead of being on a boat with water beneath him, he is 8,500 meters (28,000 feet) above the ground aboard a plane performing maneuvers to simulate weightless, space-like conditions.
Wells is participating in a unique competition to develop exercise equipment designed to keep future astronauts fit during space missions. The British invention he is testing is among several being developed worldwide, all vying for a place on upcoming lunar bases and space stations.
Challenges of Maintaining Fitness in Space
Astronauts must work diligently to maintain muscle mass and bone density in space, but current exercise machines require dedicating significant daily time to fitness routines.
"Isn't it every kid's dream to be an astronaut?" Wells says. "It's an opportunity to be able to do something really different."
Wells, who earned a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics, describes contributing to a device that may eventually be used in space as "out of this world."
Collaborative Development and Testing
The European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the UK Space Agency have all contributed to the development and testing of this equipment. ESA provided parabolic flight tests, where a plane climbs and then nose-dives to create brief periods of weightlessness, allowing researchers 22 seconds of microgravity per maneuver to collect data before repeating the process to build comprehensive analysis.
The device, named HIFIm (High-Frequency Impulse for Microgravity), has undergone initial testing for various exercises, including a "jumping" setup.
Origins and Purpose of HIFIm
The concept for HIFIm emerged from a competition among three European consortia to design an exercise device for the Gateway Space Station, an orbital platform intended for lunar operations, explains Dr. Meganne Christian, a reserve astronaut for ESA and Senior Exploration Manager at the UK Space Agency.
Although NASA has effectively deprioritized the Gateway project, Christian notes that the current era is "a really exciting moment in space exploration," where such devices can be utilized on new space stations and the lunar surface during Artemis missions aimed at establishing a permanent presence on the Moon.
Global Efforts in Astronaut Exercise Equipment
The British invention is not the only exercise equipment under development. Other international teams are advancing projects, including one commissioned by ESA and developed by the Danish Aerospace Company (DAC).
The European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), currently undergoing astronaut testing, features four modes: resistive training, cycling, rowing, and rope pulling. It also incorporates motion capture technology to allow astronauts to monitor their performance.
While these devices are designed for long-duration missions, the recent Artemis II mission around the Moon carried a specially developed exercise device known as the flywheel.
NASA emphasizes that the development of this and next-generation exercise equipment will be critical to maintaining astronaut health.
Human Physiology and Space Conditions
Similar to the challenges faced with the malfunctioning toilet during Artemis II, this research underscores that astronauts, despite operating in extraterrestrial environments, remain human with physiological needs.
Our skeletons and muscles are remarkable structures adapted to Earth's gravity; even simple movements involve managing gravitational forces.
"In space we don't experience any forces, our muscles, our bones immediately start to diminish because we're not being loaded by those forces," says Dr. Dan Cleather, professor of strength and conditioning at St Mary's University and a member of the HIFIm development team.
Dr. Cleather also designed the technology enabling the device to monitor exercise effectiveness.
Without exercise, astronauts experience loss of coordination and cardiovascular fitness, impairing their ability to perform essential functional tasks.
Limitations of Current Space Exercise Equipment
Exercising in space presents challenges including the weight of existing equipment, limited exercise variety, and the significant time astronauts must dedicate to fitness.
"On the International Space Station, for example, astronauts spend about two hours of every day doing exercise… that all adds up, it takes time," Christian explains.
Christian highlights that reducing exercise time would allow astronauts more opportunity to conduct scientific research and experiments, potentially leading to numerous breakthroughs.
HIFIm's Potential to Revolutionize Space Fitness
The team behind HIFIm believes their device can reduce daily exercise time to just half an hour.
Inventor John Kennett describes it as the next generation of astronaut exercise equipment suitable for long-duration missions, noting that his compact device can facilitate 300 different exercises.
Kennett explains that the device operates without electrical power and is engineered to isolate vibrations, preventing interference with sensitive experiments or compromising the structural integrity of spacecraft.
Inspiration and Manufacturing
Kennett, a former aircraft engineer and Pilates studio owner, conceived the idea while working with a client recovering from cancer who had severely low bone density. He recognized parallels with the challenges faced on the International Space Station and felt it was "missing a trick."
The device was manufactured at Pinewood Studios by special effects engineers who have won an Oscar for the film 1917 and contributed to Star Wars, James Bond, and Mission Impossible productions.
Testing in Space-Like Conditions
To thoroughly evaluate the device, testing in microgravity conditions via parabolic flights is essential. The latest tests focused on the rowing attachment, which cannot be adequately tested on Earth, leading to Wells' involvement.
"Every year since the Olympics I've always done some sort of physical challenge. I've been in boxing rings, I've done an Ironman, I've done swimming 6k, you know things like this and playing rugby for a season," he says. "This is another step again. Off the chart. The most outrageous so far."
Viewers can watch Harriet's report for Tech Now on the BBC starting Saturday or via the programme's website.
