Olympic Rower Tests Oscar‑Built Space Gym That Could Cut Astronaut Workout to 30 Minutes

Astronauts on the International Space Station currently spend roughly two hours each day exercising to counteract muscle and bone loss in microgravity. That time cuts into the hours available for experiments and maintenance.

- The HIFIm (High‑Frequency Impulse for Microgravity) exercise kit was designed by a team of Oscar‑winning special‑effects engineers from Pinewood Studios, whose credits include 1917, Star Wars, James Bond and Mission Impossible. - Olympic medallist Matthew Wells, who rowed in a plane creating 22‑second weightless bouts, said, “Isn’t it every kid’s dream to be an astronaut?” after trying the device. - Early tests show HIFIm could reduce the required daily exercise from about two hours to 30 minutes while still preserving muscle mass, bone density and cardiovascular fitness.

If HIFIm performs as promised, crews could devote an extra 90 minutes each day to scientific work, equipment upkeep or rest, potentially accelerating research on the Moon and beyond. The device’s lack of electrical power and vibration isolation also means it could operate alongside sensitive experiments without interference. Its developers claim it can handle 300 different movements, offering versatility for long‑duration missions.

Further parabolic‑flight campaigns and ground‑based trials will verify HIFIm’s effectiveness over weeks, and a decision on its inclusion in Artemis‑era lunar gateway or surface habitats is expected within the next 18 months.