Technological advances have enabled humans to have a permanent presence in space in this century, but with unwanted consequences of weightlessness, which can be dangerous on return to Earth. Despite current exercise methods, astronauts suffer a loss of muscle and bone mass and cardiovascular deconditioning. In preparation for deep space missions, we are developing and assessing exercise equipment and strategies – countermeasures that can help preserve astronaut health during missions to Mars. Currently, the most optimal form of exercise is one that simulates skiing. Together with colleagues from the University of Ljubljana (Faculties of Medicine and Sport), Slovene companies and science teams from around the world, we are investigating the effectiveness of this novel exercise countermeasure – space skiing. It is appropriate that the development of space skiing is taking place in Planica, the world centre of ski flying. In my talk, I will present how we simulate space skiing and our results of space ski training.
The quest for physics beyond the standard model: facts, fancies and opinions
Prof. dr. Raymond R. Volkas, The University of Melbourne, Australia
