Crew Explores Space Muscles Before Dragon Arrives Sunday

Astronaut Timothy Peake
Astronaut Timothy Peake explores muscle health in space using the Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System.

The Expedition 47 crew conducted an emergency drill today in coordination with flight controllers. The station residents also continued human research and prepared to welcome a sixth spacecraft to the International Space Station

The crew periodically simulates emergencies at the space station to stay familiar with escape routes, safety hardware and communication protocols. Afterward, the astronauts and ground teams review the results to continuously improve space safety procedures.

Muscle research has been taking place this week on the orbital lab with astronauts using a specialized exercise device. The Muscle Atrophy Research and Exercise System (MARES) helps scientists understand the effects of living in space on the human body.

Another life science study today looked at how working in space affects a cosmonaut’s breathing rate. The crew also explored the stresses the space station experiences during events such as spacecraft dockings and engine firings.

SpaceX is getting ready for the launch of its Dragon resupply ship Friday at 4:43 p.m. EDT/8:43 p.m. UTC. The crew is packing gear and training for Dragon’s Sunday arrival and robotic capture. NASA Television will cover the launch and rendezvous activities live.

One thought on “Crew Explores Space Muscles Before Dragon Arrives Sunday”

  1. How do you know where everything is? All those wires would drive me crazy.

    The exercise looks painful, I have arthritis and I know that if I am imobile then I pay for it with stiffness and pain. Is this how it is for astronauts?

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