The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) is proud to present, “How To Train Like an Astronaut,” by NASA astronaut Michael S. Hopkins, Colonel, U.S. Air Force.

Astronauts are required to be in optimal health prior to launch. But how do they remain fit while in space for a prolonged period of time, and how do they readjust to Earth’s gravity once they have returned? How does microgravity affect a person’s overall health, and what can we learn about the human body from these experiences? Hear from a NASA astronaut who recently returned to Earth after an extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS). He will share how he trained and prepared for his mission, and how his experiences are helping scientists understand the health effects of living in space. He will also discuss some of the biomedical experiments conducted on the ISS.

About the Presenter: Col. Michael S. Hopkins was selected in July 2009 as one of 14 members of the 20th NASA astronaut class. He graduated from Astronaut Candidate Training in November 2011, which included scientific and technical briefings. He also received intensive instruction in ISS systems, extravehicular activity, robotics, physiological training, flight training, and water and wilderness survival training.

On Sept. 25, 2013, Col. Hopkins accompanied Russian cosmonauts to the ISS, launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He remained on the station for 166 days, returning to Earth on March 10, 2014. For two months after his return, he underwent scientific tests to determine how his extended stay in a microgravity environment affected his body.

Originally from Missouri, Col. Hopkins received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1991, and a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford University in 1992.

For more information on the ISS: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html

For more information on the biomedical experiments conducted on ISS: http://www.niams.nih.gov/News_and_Events/NIH_NASA_Activities/