As commander of his upcoming six-month ISS mission, French astronaut Thomas Pesquet plans to stay fit with virtual reality cycling. This innovative tech helps minimize muscle loss by immersing him in real-world routes, including those in France.
On April 22, 2021, Thomas Pesquet lifted off to the International Space Station (ISS) for the European Space Agency's (ESA) Alpha mission. As the promoted French commander, he oversees daily operations, supports crew tasks, and handles emergencies. He also conducts numerous scientific experiments. Like his crewmates, Pesquet dedicates two hours daily to exercise, crucial for limiting muscle mass loss in microgravity.
French startup Perform VR provides the solution: Fit Immersion. This system pairs a VR helmet with a bike setup, letting users pedal along real-world routes for an authentic Earth-like experience.
Pesquet can select routes like Paris streets, the Col de la Gineste near Marseille, or around Saint Petersburg, Russia. From 400 km above Earth, he'll tackle 30-minute sessions tailored to his needs.
Perform VR captures these environments in precise 360° video, seamlessly transporting users. Beyond the VR helmet, Pesquet uses pedals with power sensors for accurate performance tracking.
This isn't just routine exercise—it's one of twelve experiments for the Center for the Development of Microgravity Activities and Space Operations (CADMOS).
A former airline pilot, 43-year-old Thomas Pesquet became the tenth French astronaut in space in 2016. There, he ran over 100 experiments for ESA, CNES, and NASA, plus two six-hour spacewalks (EVAs). Back on Earth, he's eagerly returned to the ISS—this time as commander.
