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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After his return to Earth from his first expedition to the International Space Station, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer began a re-adaptation programme lasting several weeks, like all astronauts after spaceflight. It includes medical examinations, physical exercise and follow-up examinations and experiments.
He posted this image to his social media channels on 23 May 2022 with the caption:
"A range of different standard measurements (cardiovascular, motor, cognitive, etc.) are carried out on all astronauts before, during and after their missions to the International Space Station to better understand the typical risks involved in crewed spaceflight. The "Standard Measures Carotid Intima-media Thickness Test" (CIMT) you can see in this picture determines the effects of microgravity on my cardiovascular system by measuring my blood pressure and thickening of my arterial walls."
Follow Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube the Cosmic Kiss mission page and in regular Space Station updates from ESA.