‘Let’s get spinning’: Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gives rare look at NASA’s multi-axis trainer and space training

Spinning in circles might be a fun childhood game for most, but for astronauts, it is a life-saving exercise that prepares them for the disorienting challenges of space travel. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s astronaut on Axiom Mission 4, recently gave space enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s Multi-Axis Trainer, one of the most intense drills in astronaut preparation. This training tool, designed to replicate a spacecraft’s uncontrollable tumbling, teaches astronauts how to stay calm, regain control, and perform mission-critical tasks under extreme stress. Shukla’s video from NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center quickly went viral, sparking conversations about the importance of physical and psychological conditioning in human spaceflight. The Multi-Axis Trainer – also known as the Gimbal Rig or the Vomit Comet Chair – is a legendary piece of NASA training equipment. It consists of three concentric rings that spin independently, producing unpredictable rotations across all three axes – roll, pitch, and yaw.When strapped into the machine, astronauts experience the sensation of a spacecraft tumbling uncontrollably in orbit. The challenge is to remain composed, orient themselves, and carry out simulated tasks despite the disorienting motion.Shukla’s post showed him confidently navigating this demanding drill, captioned with the lighthearted remark, “Let’s get spinning.”This training goes far beyond just spinning astronauts around. It teaches stress management, spatial orientation, and decision-making under pressure – critical skills when seconds can decide the outcome of a mission.By repeatedly exposing astronauts to these extreme conditions, NASA helps them build mental resilience, enabling them to keep performing mission tasks even when their bodies are overwhelmed.Despite its dramatic nickname, the Vomit Comet Chair does not always make astronauts sick. Shukla explained that the stomach remains centred, which minimises motion sickness. However, he warned that closing the eyes can confuse the brain and create a sensory mismatch, potentially causing nausea.He avoided testing this effect himself and humorously concluded his post with, “Enjoy the ride.”Shukla also highlighted the historical relevance of the trainer. It was first used during NASA’s Mercury program – the United States’ first human spaceflight project. Although Mercury astronauts never had to manually recover from such spins in space, the training became invaluable during later missions.The most famous example is the Gemini 8 mission, where astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott faced uncontrolled tumbling after a thruster malfunction. Armstrong successfully stabilised the spacecraft manually – a skill honed through such disorientation drills.By continuing to use this trainer today, NASA ensures astronauts are prepared for any contingency that could occur during spaceflight.Also Read | NASA alert! Massive asteroid 2025 QH16 set to zoom past Earth today in a close flyby; here’s what you need to know