Expert: Astronauts are being prepared for long launch delays and extended stays in space

Astronauts are prepared for both long-term launch delays and extended stays in space. This is part of their physical and mental training. Such situations should not affect their readiness and performance - sports physiologist Dr. Piotr Żmijewski told PAP.

The launch of the Ax-4 mission with Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski to the International Space Station has been delayed by almost a month. Originally planned for May 29, the latest potential launch date is no earlier than June 22.

In an interview with PAP, the expert from the AWF in Warsaw noted that in the space industry, multiple postponements of a launch are a probable scenario that must be taken into account. Delays occur due to weather or technical reasons, and all crew members, as well as accompanying personnel, are prepared for this. "Procedures are planned for all such situations, and mission participants are taught how to cope with them in terms of fitness and how to deal with the stress associated with them," he emphasized.

He added that an essential element of astronauts' psychophysical training is working on the ability to adapt to unusual conditions of both body and mind. "Preparing for a space flight can be compared to what athletes go through, for example, before the Olympic Games. Both are trained to be in peak shape at a given moment. Olympians build it for four years, and in addition, they learn to manage stress in order to perform at their best on a given day. It is similar with astronauts - they also train physically and mentally so that their psychophysical abilities are high at the culminating moment," explained Dr. Żmijewski, professor at the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw.

The difference, in his opinion, is that it is rare for athletes to have their launch postponed; and when it does happen (e.g. in sailing regattas), the date changes very little. In the space industry, on the other hand, the flight date can be postponed even multiple times. These are very demanding situations, especially mentally, because they test resistance to stress and the ability to adapt, but astronaut training takes them into account from the very beginning.

As described by Dr. Żmijewski, the training process of future astronauts consists of multi-aspect physical training (conditioning, strength, coordination, overload and weightlessness) and psychological preparation (visualizations, breathing training, mindfulness , i.e. the practice of focusing attention, as well as performing complex tasks under pressure).

"The astronaut's psyche must be extremely resistant to uncertainty and frustration. In moments like the postponement of the launch, the tension increases, and the pressure does not decrease; you have to be ready all the time," the expert explained. No less important - in his opinion - is preparation for an extended stay in space, which may result from a change in the mission schedule. "All of this is factored into the training process. These are standard procedures and standard scenarios. Every astronaut takes them into account and is taught how to behave then," noted Dr. Żmijewski.

He also noted that the quarantine period preceding the flight is extended with the postponed launch of the mission. However, it does not mean interrupting training or suspending activity. "It is not like a person finishes training and waits two weeks, three weeks, and their form drops. While in quarantine, they continue to exercise, maintain their exercise capacity, maintain a very precisely determined diet, which is easily digestible and conducive to a long journey into space. They still have access to cooperation with a psychologist and some form - although limited - of contact with their family," he said.

In addition, the entire crew operates according to strictly defined technical and control procedures, which give the quarantine period a certain predictability. "Knowing all of them allows the astronauts to feel well-prepared and calm, which is crucial for successfully passing this stage," he assessed.

Referring to Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski's physical condition, the PAP interviewee rated it very highly. "He is very well prepared. He was already a very physically active person: he hiked in the mountains, sailed, he has very good endurance," he said.

In his opinion, further delays in the launch of the mission should not negatively affect the members of the Ax-4 mission. "Of course, there are emotions, but they are prepared for it," he emphasized.

"They are professionals who are in constant physical and technical training under the watchful supervision of a team of specialists. As in sports, the entire team of experts takes care of their fitness, proper diet and mental support, which allows them to maintain full readiness to carry out the mission," he concluded.

Katarzyna Czechowicz (PAP)

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