The Importance of Eye Checks During Spacesuit Work

Spacesuit Work

The crew on the International Space Station (ISS) have an important task on their to-do list: making sure the spacesuits are ready for future spacewalks. Astronauts have to rely on the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) spacesuit to keep them alive while they’re outside the space station. The EMU provides oxygen, maintains body temperature, and allows astronauts to move freely while conducting repairs or other tasks.

As with any equipment, the spacesuits require regular maintenance and checks to ensure they are safe and reliable. Today, astronauts are spending time performing maintenance on the EMUs, including conducting leak checks, replacing fans, and ensuring that all the connectors and seals are secure and functioning correctly.

Eye Checks

In space, the human body goes through unique changes due to the effects of microgravity. One of these changes is related to the eyes, and astronauts need to have regular checks to monitor their vision health. This is especially important for astronauts who are scheduled to spend extended periods of time in space as prolonged exposure to microgravity can cause retinal damage.

Today, the crew is performing eye exams using an ultrasound device that remotely captures high-resolution images of the eye and its structures. The images are then transmitted back to scientists on Earth who can analyze them to identify any changes in the eyes due to spaceflight.

Human Research Fill Crew Day

Finally, as with any day on the ISS, human research is an ongoing priority. The human body reacts differently to being in space, and scientists and medical experts are always trying to learn more about how these changes occur and how they can be managed or mitigated. Today, the crew is participating in a variety of experiments designed to gather data on the effects of microgravity on the human body.

• One such experiment involves monitoring the crew’s heart function both at rest and during exercise. This will help to determine how the heart adapts to the microgravity environment and could help to identify potential indicators of cardiac dysfunction.
• Another experiment is focused on the changes that occur in the circadian rhythm in space. The crew is wearing devices that monitor their sleep and wake cycles, which will help to further understand how the body’s internal clock operates in microgravity.
• Finally, the crew is participating in studies focused on the effects of space radiation on the human body. Exposures to radiation can increase the risk of cancer and other health issues, so understanding how to mitigate this risk is critical for long-duration spaceflight missions.

Overall, it’s another busy day on the ISS as astronauts work to ensure the safety and reliability of critical equipment, monitor their own health, and help further our understanding of the effects of microgravity on the human body.