The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Two European campaigns subjected 23 male volunteers to 60 days of strict bed rest to chart how their body reacts to a sudden sedentary lifestyle. Half of them ‘jumped’ lying on their backs to mimic the absence of gravitational forces.
Three minutes a day, five times a week, participants jumped and hopped horizontally about 70 times. They were attached by shoulder straps to a ‘sledge’ that continuously pulled them back towards the baseboard, simulating gravity.
Subjects could perform exercises like squats, hops or calf raises.
Bedrest studies can answer questions on how our bodies adapt to living in space and how they adapt to ageing. Many of the findings from bedrest studies apply directly to people on Earth.