Space Devices Ensure Health of Taikonauts Aboard Tiangong Space Station

Written by Copernical Team Thursday, 11 April 2024 10:17

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Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 11, 2024

The China Manned Space Agency recently showcased new devices aboard the Tiangong Space Station, essential for maintaining the health and safety of taikonauts in zero gravity. These tools have become critical as China aims to extend the duration of manned missions. The agency highlighted the routine of taikonauts engaging in extensive physical training to combat the effects of prolonged mic

Space Devices Ensure Health of Taikonauts Aboard Tiangong Space Station
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 11, 2024

The China Manned Space Agency recently showcased new devices aboard the Tiangong Space Station, essential for maintaining the health and safety of taikonauts in zero gravity. These tools have become critical as China aims to extend the duration of manned missions.

The agency highlighted the routine of taikonauts engaging in extensive physical training to combat the effects of prolonged microgravity. These include muscle atrophy, irregular heart rhythms, and immune system issues. The space station, equipped with a variety of exercise equipment such as rowing machines, treadmills, and resistance apparatus, provides necessary facilities for daily workouts spanning one to two hours.

Furthermore, the crew utilizes uniforms integrated with elastic resistance bands, aiding in muscle tension and mitigating the impact of weightlessness. Medical teams on Earth monitor vital health metrics such as body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate in real time, ensuring continuous health assessment.

Notably, the Shenzhou-11 mission in 2016 saw the inaugural use of a space-to-Earth telemedical consultation system, enabling real-time health data transmission and medical support from terrestrial doctors.

The onboard clinic enhances the station's capacity for health care, equipped with compact medical devices like cardiopulmonary resuscitators and ultrasound machines to conserve space. These tools support regular health monitoring and emergency medical responses.

Wearable tech allows for the continuous tracking of taikonauts' health data, which proves valuable even during communication blackouts, such as re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

Additionally, the Tiangong Space Station offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments, a unique feature compared to its international counterparts. Recent footage from the Shenzhou-17 mission displayed taikonauts using TCM diagnostic tools, following the viral popularity of acupuncture sessions aboard Shenzhou-13 in zero gravity.