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Shubhanshu Shukla shares his astronaut training experience on the Multi-Axis Trainer at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre in a new Instagram video.
Astronauts who sit in the MAT are able to remain calm even while disoriented. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Ever wondered what space training felt like? Well, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has offered us a chance to understand all about it. He recently uploaded a video on Instagram sharing glimpses of the extreme physical challenges of astronaut training.
The clip opens to Shukla strapped inside the Multi-Axis Trainer (MAT) at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Centre.
MAT, also known as the Gimbal Rig, Mercury Astronaut Trainer or ‘Vomit Comet Chair’, is a device specially designed to simulate a similar disorienting and intense motion astronauts may encounter in space, particularly along roll, pitch, and yaw axes.
Much like in the clip, when an astronaut is strapped into the MAT seat, the three concentric rings start rotating in multiple directions, creating an uncontrolled tumbling-feel similar to what might happen if a spacecraft lost its stability in orbit. By undergoing this challenging task, astronauts are able to remain calm, regain orientation, and focus on mission tasks even while disoriented.
Shubhanshu shukla explains mat mechanisms
Explaining the mechanisms of MAT, Shubhanshu Shukla said, “I am in a MAT (Multi Axis Trainer or Mercury Astronaut Trainer) at the Marshall Space Flight Centre. This trainer was used to expose the Mercury astronauts to excessive rates in roll, pitch and yaw should the capsule experience the same in orbit. The aim was to expose the astronauts to such rates so that they could control the space capsule in spite of being under such extreme rates.”
Further in the video, Shubhanshu Shukla highlighted the history of MAT, noting that astronauts in the Mercury program never used these skills in space. He, however, added that Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the Moon, had to come face-to-face with a similar challenge during his Gemini 8 mission. The spacecraft he was travelling in encountered a thruster malfunction, leading to tumbling and Armstrong had to bring it back under control.
Shubhanshu shukla shares mat matu expression
“Incidentally, you don’t feel sick in this trainer as your stomach is always at the centre. However, if you were to close your eyes, the brain would play tricks on you due to the sensory conflict and you may feel nauseous. Something I was not ready to try. Enjoy the ride,” shared Shubhanshu Shukla.
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