During each long six-month expedition to the ISS, Russian cosmonauts conduct more than fifty scientific experiments. This time, Roscosmos cosmonaut, Alexander Misurkin, and Japanese space tourists Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano take part in the medical experiment “LAZMA” during pre-launch training at Baikonur.
It is specified that the duration of the flight will be twelve days. The experiment is aimed at studying blood microcirculation in microgravity. On December 8, the crew of the 20th expedition to the ISS will go into orbit, where they will continue conducting it. As reported, thanks to Japanese tourists, it became possible to carry out this project onboard the ISS for the first time.
“In addition to the extensive programme that colleagues from Japan have prepared for independent implementation on the ISS, they are also ready to conduct an experiment with my participation dedicated to the study of microcapillary blood flow,” Misurkin said.
Experts explained that laser sensors are used when performing the mentioned experiment. The medical device kit includes two analyzers that are installed on the upper and lower extremities of a person, as well as on the head in the temples. Thus, peripheral changes of all vessels are captured.
The relevance of the study is reasoned by the fact that when a cosmonaut enters space, microgravity acts on him first of all. Under the influence of space flight factors, the blood moves to the upper half of the body, as a result of which in the first days of his stay in orbit he has hoarseness of voice, redness of the eyes, puffiness of the face. In connection with these changes, the study of blood vessels filling in zero gravity is of great interest to space medicine.
Ru-Main, 01.12.2021
Source: Roscosmos
