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Thermoregulation in Humans During Long-Term Spaceflight (Thermolab)
04.26.13

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Overview | Description | Applications | Operations | Results | Publications | Imagery

Experiment Overview

This content was provided by H. C. Gunga, and is maintained in a database by the ISS Program Science Office.

Information provided courtesy of the Erasmus Experiment Archive.
Brief Summary

Thermoregulation in Humans During Long-Term Spaceflight (Thermolab) investigates the thermoregulatory and cardiovascular adaptations during rest and exercise in the course of a long-duartion microgravity exposure.

Principal Investigator(s)

  • H. C. Gunga, Denmark

    • Co-Investigator(s)/Collaborator(s)

  • J. Koch, Denmark
  • E. Koralewski, Denmark
  • F. Sattler, Denmark
  • H. V. Heyer, Denmark
  • J. Cornier, Denmark
  • K. Kirsch, France
  • P. Hofmann, Denmark
  • Philippe Arbeille, Universite Francois-Rabelais, Tours, France

    • Developer(s)
    Information Pending

    Sponsoring Space Agency

    European Space Agency (ESA)

    Sponsoring Organization

    Information Pending

    Research Benefits

    Information Pending

    ISS Expedition Duration:

    October 2009 - September 2012

    Expeditions Assigned

    21/22,23/24,25/26,27/28,29/30,31/32

    Previous ISS Missions

    Thermolab was first operated on Increment 19/20.

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    Experiment Description

    Research Overview

    • It is hypothesized that heat balance, thermoregulation and circadian temperature rhythms are altered in humans during long-term space flights because of changes in the natural convective heat transfer from the body surface to the environment; changes in fluid shifts along the body's axis from peripheral to central parts; changes in the cardiovascular system; changes in the autonomous nervous system; and changes involving the metabolism and body composition. Since these factors are particularly cross-linked with each other in view of thermoregulation, an integrative study of the topic under microgravity conditions is mandatory.


    • This study aims to investigate the thermoregulatory and cardio-vascular adaptations during rest and exercise in the course of a long-term micro-g exposure.

    Description

    Information Pending

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    Applications

    Space Applications

    The information obtained by this study will lead to a better basic understanding of heat transfer and the thermal regulation in humans under weightless conditions.  Such data will help with monitoring and maintenance of astronaut health and well-being in orbit.

    Earth Applications

    By studying alterations in heat balance, thermoregulation and circadian temperature rhythms in space, we also get a greater understanding behind the mechanisms by which these systems work on Earth.

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    Operations

    Operational Requirements

    Information Pending

    Operational Protocols

    Information Pending

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    Results/More Information

    Information Pending

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    Related Websites

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    Imagery

    Information provided by the investigation team to the ISS Program Scientist's Office.
    If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Research-Helpline.
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