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Bicycle Ergometer, Skylab

Object Details

Summary
The Skylab program studied the human body's reaction to long-duration flight in a microgravity (weightless) environment. Skylab astronauts used a stationary bicycle without wheels (ergometer) identical to this one to measure their heart rate, breathing, and work level while they exercised. Electrical recordings of heart activity of each astronaut were taken before, during, and after flight to determine changes in heart functions that might have been caused by the long-duration flights of 28, 59, and 84 days. They also measured their oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output as they exercised.
NASA donated this ergometer to the Museum for display in the backup Skylab orbital workshop in 1976.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Teledyne Systems Co.
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA Johnson Space Center
Materials
aluminum, steel, plastic, rubber, vinyl
Dimensions
3-D: 116.8 x 63.5 x 114.3cm (46 x 25 x 45 in.)
Type
EQUIPMENT-Medical

Featured In

  • Bicycles
  • Human Spaceflight
Stationary exercise bicycle with metal frame, seat, pedals, handlebar, and attached devices
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page .
International media Interoperability Framework
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more.
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Stationary exercise bicycle with metal frame, seat, pedals, handlebar, and attached devices
Stationary bicycle with white frame and control panel at handlebar
Bleu base with plate with dials connected to black bicycle seat
Attached panel with gauges and switches on handlebar

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