09 SEP. 2016
publication date
3639
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Cartilage
Scientists think that reduced stress on bones may be responsible for the progressive cartilage loss seen in long-term space residents. MRI scans of Thomas’s knees were taken before and after his stay in orbit. The results of this experiment are expected to help develop technologies to counteract bone loss for space travellers and bedridden patients on Earth.
Early Detection of Osteoporosis in Space
This experiment looked at changes in bone structure before and after a spaceflight by studying markers in blood and urine, as well as through a tomography scan. For this experiment, astronauts follow a strict diet during the data collection stage.
All astronauts lose up to 1% of their bone mass each month in space, similar to osteoporosis. Obviously, this is worrying for longer missions to far-away planets or celestial bodies. Researchers are interested to find out if they can detect the changes quickly and also when the changes occur. This research will help detect osteoporosis on Earth, a disease that most people over 55 suffer from to some degree.
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Alexander Gerst working on Skin-B experiment
Skin-B
Our skin protects us, regulates our temperature and helps us to feel objects. As we grow older, our skin becomes more fragile and takes longer to heal from injuries. Astronauts lose more skin cells and age faster during spaceflight. A common complaint of astronauts is cracking skin and rashes or itchiness.
This experiment is the first research into skin in space, collecting data on skin structure, oxygenation, hydration and elasticity. The goal is to develop a computer model of how skin ages. Results on Thomas’s skin will improve the model and could contribute to helping protect people’s skin on Earth as well as in space.
Muscle Biopsy
Living in microgravity leads to the loss of muscle mass, function and motor control. By taking samples of Thomas’s soft tissue, the Muscle Biopsy experiment looked for the root of the problem of maintaining muscle mass in space. The European astronaut provided feedback on how his muscles performed before and after his flight.
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ESA astronaut Tim Peake using Mares
Sarcolab-3
Astronauts lose muscle in space and need to exercise daily to minimise loss. Thomas’ ankle and knee muscles were analysed as they contracted before and after his mission. These muscles are hardly used in space. Sarcolab will get a better understanding of how muscles and motor control deteriorate when unused. During Proxima Thomas used the Mares muscle measurement machine to take readings of his ankle and knee.
The findings will help people on Earth who cannot use their muscles for a period of time such as after a severe accident.
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Thomas Pesquet
Skinsuit
Astronauts have been known to grow by up to 7 cm as their spines lengthen in weightlessness. As a result, many suffer from backache during their missions. Thomas evaluated in space a new suit designed to combat the lack of gravity effects by squeezing the body from the shoulders to the feet with a similar force to that felt on Earth.
ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen did a first test of a Skinsuit during his 10-day iriss mission in 2015; Thomas continued testing on his long-duration mission.
Each Skinsuit is tailor-made for its wearer with a bidirectional weave. The suits need to fit tightly but comfortable, while creating the right amount of force in the right places.
ESA’s Space Medicine Office worked with the universities of Kings College and University College in London, England, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, to test the suit prototypes.
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Name Thomas’ next space mission!
Please note, this competition closed midnight CEST Tuesday 12 May. Thank you to everyone who submitted an idea. The winning name will be announced over the coming months – stay tuned. ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet is due to fly to the International Space Station in 2021 and will soon begin training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, USA after finishing a training session at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. We have the operational side covered… but we need your help to find the name of the mission!
A patch of health
During Thomas Pesquet's six-month Proxima mission on the International Space Station ESA monitored his health carefully, as it does for all ESA astronauts.Ranging from tests of their physical fitness to analysis of their blood, ESA’s specialists protect and promote the health of astronauts before, during and after their time in space.
Thomas Pesquet returns to Earth
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet landed on the steppe of Kazakhstan today with Russian commander Oleg Novitsky in their Soyuz MS-03 spacecraft after six months in space. Touchdown was at 14:10 GMT after a four-hour flight from the International Space Station.
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Related links
Connect with Thomas Pesquet
Connect with Thomas Pesquet
Where is the International Space Station?
Where is the International Space Station?
@Thom_astro on Twitter
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