Why astronauts train in the dark, deep underground
In short: To prepare for the extreme isolation of space, astronauts are sent into the subterranean labyrinth of Sardinia. This video explores how karst geology serves as a high-stakes training ground for teamwork and survival.
The CAVES program is an annual two-week course designed to test human behavior and performance in environments where safety is paramount. By exploring the Sa Grutta caves, astronauts from agencies including ESA, NASA, and Roscosmos learn to operate as multicultural teams under pressure.
Participants perform scientific experiments while charting and documenting their movements deep underground. The training focuses on navigating karst geology—the specific rock formations that create caverns—to simulate the challenges of extraterrestrial exploration.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: CAVES 2013: Karst for astronauts 4 (Karst and Caves in Supramonte)
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