Why astronauts train underwater to walk on asteroids

NEEMO 19: Mission day 5 · 3:13 · Video: European Space Agency, ESA · Watch at the source

In short: Watch ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen direct a simulated spacewalk from an underwater habitat. This video explores how the NEEMO program uses the ocean as a high-fidelity laboratory for deep space exploration.

The NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) project utilizes an underwater base off the coast of Florida to simulate life on a space station. By living and working in this aquatic environment, astronauts can practice 'waterwalks' in full scuba gear, which mimics the physical and psychological demands of extravehicular activities.

In this specific mission, Andreas Mogensen manages crewmates performing a simulated spacewalk on an asteroid surface. These sorties allow for the rigorous training necessary to handle the complexities of space exploration before heading into orbit.

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