In microgravity, astronauts test out sports.

Earth-based athletic and other equipment testing is being conducted on the International Space Station.

In microgravity, astronauts test out sports.
In microgravity, astronauts test out sports.

The initial space experiments focused on gravity and weightlessness. These were basic tests to adapt to the new surroundings. In 1971, Alan Shepard became the first man to hit a golf ball on the moon. He hit two balls, stating that the second traveled for an incredible distance.

Despite limitations in his space suit, he was unable to tee up or take a full swing. However, his moon shot has inspired testing for golf clubs and other sporting equipment in space.

Cobra Puma Golf Company has developed a driver that was tested in space.

"Nanoracks co-founder Jeffrey Manber stated that they desired to execute a metal electric plating project in space with the aim of improving golf clubs."

Voyager Space has acquired Nanoracks, which has assisted in testing equipment for various sports and conducted experiments on household items such as whiskey aging in space with Ardbeg, shoe soles with Adidas, and potential future experiments with an ice cream manufacturer.

Manber stated that the utilization of space's unique environment for everyday purposes is commencing.

Bill Nelson on a treadmill
Thirty-eight years ago, astronaut Bill Nelson, now the NASA administrator, used the first treadmill ever sent to space. (NASA/Getty Images)

They examined the effects of microgravity on specific metals in order to develop stronger, lighter alloys for use on Earth in Cobra Puma's experiment.

"NASA created screws that remain secure when shaken, which are now incorporated into the weight at the bottom of a golf club driver. This allows for a lower center of gravity, improving the performance of the golf driver."

According to Nelson, any technology created for space can be utilized on Earth as well. This applies to the workout equipment used on the International Space Station. Astronauts require maintaining muscle and bone strength while staying in space for extended periods. They exercise a minimum of six days a week for at least two hours each day. To move against microgravity, they must use specially designed equipment.

"Since John Glenn's first flight in orbit, we have learned a great deal. Prior to putting astronauts in space, there was uncertainty about whether the eye would remain in its socket. To prevent muscle and bone atrophy while in space, astronauts undergo a rigorous exercise program in Zero-G."

Astronauts use treadmills to maintain muscle strength while tied down, and this practice has been beneficial for those rehabilitating from injuries on Earth.

Daniel Lockney, NASA technology transfer program executive, stated, "We turn the same pressure that holds people down into a tool to help lift them off the treadmill, allowing us to ease the weight on an injury as you learn to walk or run again."

Nanoracks Co-Founder Jeffrey Manber
Nanoracks co-founder Jeffrey Manber said, "It’s the beginning of using the unique environment of space for all sorts of everyday uses." (AP Images)

Nelson used the first treadmill ever sent to space 38 years ago.

"I ran for 40 minutes on a treadmill, which is equivalent to half a marathon," Nelson stated.

The footwear Nanoracks and Adidas tested helped create more wearable shoes.

Manber stated that they created a new process in the microgravity environment, resulting in more comfortable shoes.

Nanoracks also worked with Adidas to measure spin speed in a soccer ball.

Manber stated that they aimed to comprehend the behavior in microgravity in order to gain more insight into aerodynamic performance.

Michael Phelps
NASA helped design a swimsuit for the Beijing Olympics. (AP Images)

NASA aided in the creation of a swimsuit for the Beijing Olympics through wind tunnel testing.

"This suit was worn by every gold medal winner, causing people to break their contracts to obtain it," Lockney stated.

The international swimming federation banned the LZR Racer due to the success of those wearing it.

"Lockney stated that non-pharmaceutical doping was referred to as such, although it was not illegal at the time. However, it is now prohibited to wear the NASA suit during Olympic races because it is too fast."

by Bret Baier,Amy Munneke

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