Why astronauts spend two weeks in dark, underground caves
In short: To prepare for the isolation of space, astronauts trade the stars for the subterranean depths of Sardinia. This video explores the CAVES 2013 mission, where astronauts undergo rigorous training to simulate the psychological and physical demands of deep-space exploration.
The CAVES program is a unique training initiative by the European Space Agency (ESA) where six astronauts spend two weeks deep inside the Supramonte cave system in Sardinia. By living in the dark and cold while separated from the outside world, the crew must perform scientific research and daily tasks as a cohesive group, mimicking the social dynamics of a space station.
The mission also serves as a physical proxy for spacewalking. Astronauts use harnesses and safety devices to navigate the cave system, providing a terrestrial environment to master the technical complexities of moving in extreme, restricted spaces. Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen highlights the specific scientific research conducted during the 2013 campaign in the Sa Grutta cave.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: CAVES 2013: The mission
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