While the future of NASA's space shuttles is still open for debate, the equipment the agency uses to provide water to astronauts isn't - Camelbak's hydration system has proven it's value during many flights. And it's the very same equipment you may use for your long training runs or rides. Seth Beiden, marketing manager for Camelbak recently took a tour of the NASA training facilities in Houston to see firsthand why their product has proven a hit 200 miles over the earth.
"I told them that if I went to Houston, I absolutely wanted to try on one of the space suits," he said. A single suit weighs between 300 and 500 pounds. Just to try it on, the top and bottom have to be anchored to a frame. Once the helmet is locked in place, the astronaut may typically work outside the shuttle or the International Space Station for four to six hours.
That's a long time inside a pressured suit. The astronauts also need to drink during that time. Suddenly, a simple task on earth becomes exceptionally complicated in space. A leak in a water line or a drip from a cap can cause incredible condensation inside the helmet. If that happens, the astronaut must go back inside, take off the helmet, fix the problem and begin again. Plumbing bills get really expensive at 3000 miles an hour.
To solve the problem, NASA turned to Camelbak's off-the-shelf hydration system. Their patented valve proved leakproof even in this inhospitable environment and generated good levels of flow. If the system is good enough to fix the Hubble Telescope, it's probably good enough for those long runs before our summer Ironman races.
When we spoke, Seth said he was putting the finishing touches on a video showing how the astronauts in training using their Camelbak's product. We expect front row tickets for opening night.
www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/The-Lab/NASA.aspx
Author: Paul Tyler
Paul Tyler is founder of Triessential.com. Triessential offers an iPhone application that provides training tips and motivation every day throughout the entire year.
www.triessential.com
