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Centrifuge training

Once cosmonauts become proficient in the manual re-entry trainer, we move onto the next level of simulation: the Star City centrifuge. The Cosmonaut Training Centre has an impressive centrifuge that can generate high g-loads. The faster the centrifuge arm rotates, the higher the g-load. Compare its 18-metre length to the size of my family who is standing in front of the arm.

The centrifuge plays a role in our re-entry training. The distal bulbous end of the arm contains a functional mock-up of the Soyuz cockpit. The level of g-force induced by the centrifuge is determined solely by the profile that I fly from the controls in the cockpit. In other words, I pay for any mistakes during my manual re-entry profile with a high g-load! Talk about incentive to get it right!

I was usually scheduled for a few hours of physical training every week. The Russians encourage specialized exercises for their cosmonauts including workouts with this arm ergometer. There's a similar device on the Space Station and the cosmonauts use it regularly to maintain shoulder strength and endurance required for long-duration EVAs.