SOdium LOading in Microgravity (SOLO)
Research Area: Integrated Physiology and Nutrition
Expedition(s): 17-ongoing
Principal Investigator(s): ● Martina A. Heer, PhD, University of Bonn, Germany
● Petra Frings-Meuthen, Institute of Aerospace Medicine,
Cologne, Germany
● Natalie Kamps, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne,
Germany
● Friedhelm Baisch, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Cologne,
Germany
● Peter Norsk, MD, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen,
Denmark
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
SOdium LOading in Microgravity (SOLO) is a
continuation of extensive research into the
mechanisms of fluid and salt retention in the
body during bed rest and spaceflights. It is a
metabolically-controlled study. During long-
term space missions astronauts participate in
2 study phases, 5 days each. Subjects follow
a diet of constant either low or normal
sodium intake, fairly high fluid consumption,
and isocaloric nutrition.
RESULTS
Data from the SOLO experiment are
currently being analyzed and processed prior
to publication.
This investigation is complete; however
additional results are pending publication.
ESA astronaut André Kuipers undertaking Body Mass
Measurement for the SOdium LOading in Microgravity
experiment. ESA/NASA image.