As part of the preparation for the expedition Ing. Sokol is now undergoing comprehensive pre-shipment training, which primarily covers legal, environmental, logistical, safety, health and psychological aspects. This event is crucial for all participants of the expedition, which is sponsored by the Czech Antarctic Research Programme at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University.
The main focus of Marek Sokol's research will be testing advanced sensing systems that are being developed within the Biomechanics and Assistive Technologies and Medical Technologies for Space Applications research groups at the CTU FBME. These technologies include, for example, electromyographic sensors that allow monitoring muscle activity during physically strenuous activities. MoCap systems will also be used to assess postural stability of the body and the effect of extreme conditions on postural changes.
For research on changes in neuropsychophysiological functions, technologies for recording cardiac and respiratory activity will be used. Temperature and humidity measurement systems will be used to study comfort. A multimodal sensory system and novel algorithms will be used to assess participants' cognitive load, emotions and fatigue. Particular attention will be paid to testing real-time transmission of measured data using the Starlink satellite constellation, which will provide valuable insights for remote monitoring of biomedical data.
These activities are important not only to improve working conditions in extreme environments, but also to prepare for future analogue missions and long-term space expeditions. The scientific knowledge that Marek will gain will be important for the development of advanced systems and methods for maintaining physical and mental fitness in extreme conditions.