20 women live in waterbeds for 5 days in landmark study to explore impact of space on female astronauts

A recent study involving a group of 20 women in a waterbed for five days was conducted as part of a dry immersion experiment to better explore the implications of space mission on the women's body. With the Artemis missions scheduled in the coming years, the limit further than the Earth will see a new population of men and women explorers launch from the earth for the Moon and farther.

While men astronauts have travelled to the Moon and survived, Artemis will see the first female astronauts do so.

The VIVALDI research was launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) to examine the gendered divergence in scientific data. It's just the second time a dry immersion study with all-female volunteers has been carried out, but it is the first in Europe. Some of the impacts of spaceflight on the body will be recreated in this study.

For 5 days, 20 women are tucking themselves in waterbeds for a dry immersion study that recreates some effects of spaceflight on the body. The all-female campaign at @Medes_IMPS is a first for European research to address the #GenderGap in #science data. https://t.co/krV3UvCLB3 pic.twitter.com/dfyDXvlB0G

— Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) September 23, 2021

Dry immersion study

In orbit, astronauts encounter weightlessness, which can cause muscle and bone loss, vision damage, and hearing problems, thus it is necessary to brace astronauts for such situations early in the process.

Participants lie down in bathtubs-like container covered with water resistant to keep them dry and equally immersed in water in a dry immersion experiment.  

24-hours long process

Volunteers complete 24 hours inside an immersed tank with body motions restricted to the greatest extent possible. All daily activities, according to the doctors, are carried out while immersed, and just a little pillow is permitted during meals to enable eating.

The study is being described as a major milestone for female participation in space research missions. It has the potential to fill in shortfalls, contributing towards the development of better health and medical initiatives for female astronauts in the future.