BEAT: Wireless Compose 2
Spacewalks are extremely dangerous and exhausting. The astronauts are only separated from the hostile environment of space by their spacesuits. Working for hours in these bulky suits is physically exhausting and puts considerable strain on the cardiovascular system. A collapse during a spacewalk would be fatal. It is therefore very helpful to constantly monitor the heart and circulation. In this way, overexertion can be recognised at an early stage and appropriate countermeasures taken.
The BEAT experiment, in which astronauts Dr Matthias Maurer and Samantha Cristoforetti are also taking part, is researching ballistocardiography as a method for inconspicuous and resource-saving long-term monitoring of cardiovascular function. The results are also important for future healthcare on Earth.
The BEAT experiment is part of the "Wireless Compose 2" project, which is being led by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) in Bremen. In this project, the intelligent T-shirt as well as the sensors and technology for transmitting signals to Earth were developed by a consortium consisting of Bielefeld University, Hamburg University of Technology, the German Aerospace Centre Bremen, Hohenstein Laboratories and DSI Aerospace Technology.
