What are the best practices for training and preparing suborbital astronauts?

Training and preparing suborbital astronauts involves meeting certain physical requirements to ensure safety and readiness for spaceflight. These requirements typically include good overall health, including cardiovascular fitness and normal blood pressure, as well as adequate vision and hearing. Astronaut candidates also need to have strong bones and muscles to withstand the forces experienced during launch and re-entry. Additionally, they must be within certain height and weight limits to fit comfortably in the spacecraft and spacesuit. Essentially, suborbital astronauts need to be in top physical condition to handle the physical demands of spaceflight and ensure a successful mission.

Idéalement avoir effectué un vol Zéro-G permettant de découvrir l’apesanteur, suivi un entraînement de participant à un vol spatial, avoir testé une centrifugeuse ou effectuer un vol acrobatique.

Before going on a suborbital flight, people who want to be astronauts need to have a thorough medical check-up. This includes things like getting checked by a doctor, having blood tests, heart tests, and X-rays, and also having their vision and hearing tested. They'll also talk to a psychologist to make sure they're mentally ready for the trip. This medical check-up helps make sure they're healthy enough for the flight and can handle any challenges that might come up. It's important to do this check-up at least a month before the flight and then again a few days before they go into space, just to be sure everything's still okay.

For suborbital spaceflight participants with not much tasks to do on the flight I would say a normal flight crew medical would be appropriate as the flight lasts only a short time. For comparison, if you join an acrobatic flight no one asks for medical records although the accelerations can be up to 6 g and even be negative.

Training programs for suborbital astronauts are designed to prepare them for the unique challenges of spaceflight. These programs typically include various aspects such as classroom instruction, hands-on simulations, and physical fitness training. In classrooms, astronauts learn about topics like space physiology, spacecraft systems, and emergency procedures. They also participate in simulations where they practice tasks like operating spacecraft controls and responding to emergencies. Physical fitness training helps astronauts build strength and endurance to withstand the physical demands of space travel. Additionally, they may undergo specialized training in topics like microgravity adaptation and spacewalking techniques.

A parabolic flight for prior microgravity experience is highly recommended as a preparation for any spaceflight. It allows for movement training and also is good to get familiar with the zero-g conditions of the spaceflight itself.

Before suborbital astronauts blast off into space, they go through a series of preparations to make sure everything is set for their journey. This includes reviewing mission plans, practicing emergency procedures, and familiarizing themselves with the spacecraft. They also undergo final medical check-ups to ensure they're healthy and ready for the trip. Astronauts receive specific instructions on what to do during launch and re-entry, as well as how to operate equipment onboard. Additionally, they pack essential supplies and personal items for their time in space. Overall, these pre-flight preparations help ensure that suborbital astronauts are fully prepared and equipped for their upcoming adventure beyond Earth's atmosphere.

When suborbital astronauts are up in space, they'll go through different stages of their journey. First, during the ascent, they'll feel the rocket pushing them up and experience strong forces pressing on them. Then, in the boost phase, they'll go super fast and high up, but suddenly, everything will feel weightless when the engine stops. This weightlessness continues during the coast phase, where they can float around and enjoy the amazing view of Earth and space. Finally, during descent, they'll feel the forces again as they come back down to Earth, and the parachutes will help slow them down for a safe landing. Throughout the whole trip, they might feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to feeling a bit queasy or disoriented.

Suborbital flights last only a few minutes in space, but every second counts. In one project I worked on, simulated short-duration mission profiles were created to train astronauts in how to maximise the limited time in space, including performing experiments or observation tasks efficiently. These simulations mimicked the precise timing of launch, in-flight tasks, and re-entry, helping astronauts prepare for a tightly packed mission schedule. Simulated mission profiles improve operational efficiency, ensuring astronauts perform critical tasks within the time constraints of a suborbital flight.

space cadets! 🚀💫 1. **Wellness Checks:** Get physical & mental, ready for space! 🏋️♂️🧠 2. **Fit Club:** Sweat, build, repeat! 💪 3. **Zero-G Feels:** Learn to float & stun! 👨🚀 4. **Simulator Swag:** Trial run to conquer space! 🕹️ 5. **Safety Huddle:** Keep calm & ace crisis. 🚨 6. **Cosmic Crew:** Bond, trust, and communicate. 🌍🤝🌕 7. **Spaceship Savvy:** Know your ride, inside & out! 🚀 8. **Starship Peek:** Get used to the new home. 🏠🌌 9. **Space Hacks:** Understand & ace space oddities. 🛸 10. **Mind Games:** Beat those space blues & stay zen! 🧘♂️ 11. **Space Swag:** Suit up, look sharp! 👔 Let's go conquer Space, heroes! Stay epic! 🚀💯

Another factor to consider besides physical fitness (which should be a 'given') is flying a person who is naturally an adrenaline junkie. These folks typically have some extreme hobbies (e.g., flying planes, long backpacking trips, skydiving, scuba diving, etc.)