MANILA, (PNA) — The timely visit of the first Latin American space doctor, Dr. Thais Russomano, gave perfect opportunity for the two Filipino astronauts to learn about the rigors of space travel that will prepare them for their extensive training at the AXE Apollo Global Space Cam in Orlando, Florida, USA in December this year.
Dr. Custer Deocaris is the founder of Microgravity Center at PUCRS University in Brazil,which is the first educational and research center in Space Life Sciences in Latin America.
During the dialogue with Dr. Russomano at Mall of Asia on Saturday, the two winners of AXE Apollo National Challenge, Evan Rey Datuin and Ramil Montalvo Santos, learned the basics when aboard a space shuttle, as well as pointers on maneuvering in zero gravity and centrifugal training.
Dr. Thais gave the two Filipino astronauts heads-up on special conditions that a space traveler would experience such as motion sickness and passing out.
“Forget alcohol and stay healthy so you will be fit for the training and when you go to space.” Dr.Thais told the two astronauts.
The space doctor also advised the astronauts to stay relaxed to avoid body reactions that might disqualify them from the space camp.
According to Dr. Custer Deocaris, head of DOST Balik Scientist and Astrobiology Professor, this is a good opportunity to boost Filipino’s interest in becoming scientists especially in the field of astronomy.