The cosmonauts of the Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft crew have begun final preparations for their return to Earth using a special vacuum suit. The system helps the body re-adapt to Earth's gravity after a long period in weightlessness.
On July 26, Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergey Mikaev, as well as NASA astronaut Christopher Williams, are scheduled to return to Earth. Before landing, the crew undergoes a set of procedures aimed at restoring the cardiovascular system.
One of the key elements of preparation is the "Chibis-M" prophylactic vacuum suit. During training, the device creates reduced pressure in the lower body, causing blood to redistribute as it does in a person under Earth's gravity.
This load helps the body prepare for returning to an upright position after weeks and months of life in orbit. In microgravity, blood shifts to the upper body, and pressure-maintaining mechanisms gradually weaken, which can lead to dizziness and loss of consciousness after landing.
Regular sessions in the "Chibis-M" allow for pre-training of the vascular system and reduce risks in the first minutes after returning to Earth.