Training in space is like no other experience on Earth! There’s nothing quite like it. NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold was one of the first lucky explorers to do just that.
But what did he train for when on board the ISS (International Space Station)? How did he keep his body and mind healthy while floating in zero-gravity? And most importantly, when did this amazing journey begin?
If you’re curious about how astronauts stay fit in space and what kind of training goes into a mission, then come along with us as we explore Ricky Arnold’s journey to outer space. From gym exercises to rocket science – we’ll cover it all! So strap yourself in and get ready for lift off…
When did Ricky Arnold start training with gravity at the international space station?
Ricky Arnold began his training with gravity at the International Space Station on November 3, 2017. To simulate the conditions of a reduced-gravity environment, he was assigned to use five different pieces of equipment that replicate weightlessness—the Multi-Axis Trainer (MAT), the Centrifuge Training Device (CTD), and three other simulators.
The MAT is a device that allows astronauts to practice how they would move in zero gravity. It can tilt up to 60 degrees in any direction and provide infinite possibilities for an astronaut to practice all kinds of motions, from simple maneuvers like reaching for objects to more complex activities such as spacewalks.
Meanwhile, the CTD is used by astronauts to practice controlling their body movements while floating in space, as it has adjustable spin rates and can rotate up to 3Gs—a force equivalent to triple Earth’s gravitational pull. The third simulator is designed specifically for practicing operations outside of the ISS during a spacewalk such as carrying tools or maneuvering around obstacles inside or outside the station. Finally, two other devices are used primarily for studying human behavior during physical activity under microgravity conditions — including walking and running in space — known as Locomotor Performance Investigations (LPI) unit and Life Sciences Glovebox (LSG).
With these devices available at his disposal, Ricky Arnold was able to gain valuable experience with low-gravity environments prior to his launch into orbit aboard Expedition 55/56 on March 21st 2018 aboard Soyuz MS-08 spacecraft from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan along with cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev and German astronaut Alexander Gerst.
What are the requirements to be an astronaut?
Becoming an astronaut is no easy feat. Astronauts have to be in excellent physical and mental condition, with a vast knowledge of space exploration and engineering. They must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biological Science, Physical Science or Mathematics. In addition to that, they must have three years of experience working in their field or 1000+ hours of pilot-in-command time on jet aircraft.
Ricky Arnold started training with gravity at the International Space Station (ISS) back in 1998 after he was selected by NASA as one the first astronauts for what would become the Expedition 56 mission aboard the ISS. Before being chosen for this mission, Ricky had already completed rigorous training sessions from basic water survival to spacewalking techniques both under water and on land which are required for all astronauts before their big journey into space!
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