Astronaut Kellie Gerardi is gearing up for her next space adventure with Virgin Galactic, set to launch in 2026. Following her groundbreaking suborbital flight in 2023, Gerardi is focusing on a specialized fitness routine to ensure she is physically prepared for the unique challenges of space travel, especially as she leads an all-female crew.
Key Takeaways
- Kellie Gerardi will participate in an all-female suborbital spaceflight in 2026.
- Her fitness routine emphasizes cardiovascular health and core strength.
- The mission will focus on women’s health research in space.
- Gerardi collaborates with Rykä, a brand specializing in women’s athletic footwear.
A New Chapter in Space Exploration
Kellie Gerardi made headlines in 2023 when she became one of the few women to travel to space aboard a Virgin Galactic flight. As she prepares for her upcoming mission, she is not only excited about the journey but also about the opportunity to contribute to scientific research focused on women’s health.
"We like to joke that we’re upping our dose of ‘Vitamin G’ — a major component of preparation involves flying in parabolic (zero-g) and aerobatic (high-g) campaigns here on Earth to validate that our payloads and research equipment will perform as intended in extreme conditions and to refine our in-space operations as researchers," Gerardi explained.
Fitness Routine for Space
Physical fitness is crucial for astronauts, especially when dealing with the high G-forces experienced during launch and re-entry. Gerardi’s fitness regimen includes:
- Cardiovascular Training: She incorporates a mix of walking, jogging, and running to maintain good cardiac health.
- Core Strength Workouts: These exercises are vital for stability and strength in a zero-gravity environment.
- Interval Training: This method helps improve her overall fitness and endurance.
"Good cardiac health helps with your tolerance of high G forces, so we incorporate plenty of cardio into our workout routines," she noted.
Focus on Women’s Health Research
Gerardi’s upcoming mission will not only be a personal milestone but also a significant step forward in understanding women’s health in space. She will lead a team of researchers, including Dr. Shawna Pandya and Dr. Norah Patten, to explore various aspects of female wellness during space travel.
"This next research spaceflight is going to help advance the studies we began on the first mission and introduce new research as well," Gerardi stated. The all-female team is a testament to the progress made since the days of early female astronauts, such as Sally Ride.
The Footwear Factor
In preparation for her mission, Gerardi has partnered with Rykä, a brand known for designing athletic shoes specifically for women. She expressed her enthusiasm for the brand’s commitment to creating footwear that accommodates women’s unique foot shapes and movements.
"The fact that they’re designed for women from the start, and not just adapted for us, is incredibly unique and isn’t something I take for granted," she said. While astronauts typically go shoeless during long missions, Gerardi will wear sneakers for her short-duration flight, which will aid her in operating research equipment effectively.
Conclusion
As Kellie Gerardi prepares for her next journey into space, her enhanced fitness routine and focus on women’s health research highlight the evolving landscape of space exploration. With an all-female crew and a commitment to scientific advancement, Gerardi’s mission promises to break new ground in understanding the effects of space travel on women, paving the way for future generations of female astronauts.
Sources
- Astronaut Kellie Gerardi reveals fitness routine for spaceflight, New York Post.
