Initial State: Currently there are no tests or evaluations that are used with the specific intention to access muscle performance readiness during missions. The goal of filling this gap is the development of a reliable test(s) that can be performed both before a mission and during critical times during a mission (e.g. before a high workload EVA or prior to landing). The test would be aimed directly at determining if established muscle fitness standards (see gap M4) we being met. Just as muscle fitness standards are expected to be design reference mission (DRM)-specific, in-flight evaluations protocols and hardware may be DRM specific as well due to limitations in available equipment during any particular exploration mission.

Interim Stages:
Validation of test protocol(s) against functional task performance
Identification of new and/or existing ground and in-flight exercise hardware that is compatible with tests

Approach: Human-in-the-loop testing.