Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla spins through NASA’s rigorous space training simulator, watch video here

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Spins Through Rigorous NASA Training (Image: gagan.shux/Instagram)

For most, spinning in circles sparks dizziness and laughter. For astronauts, it is serious training that could decide survival in space. Shubhanshu Shukla has now offered fans a rare glimpse inside NASA’s intense Multi-Axis Trainer.

Shubhanshu Shukla shared a video from the Marshall Space Flight Centre. It showed him strapped inside the Multi-Axis Trainer, also known as the Gimbal Rig or Vomit Comet Chair. The machine is built with three concentric rings that spin independently. Each rotation mimics the violent tumbling a spacecraft could suffer in orbit.

The trainer forces astronauts to handle disorientation across roll, pitch and yaw. The goal is to help them stay calm, regain control, and complete mission tasks under extreme physical stress. Mr Shukla captioned his video with the words, “Let’s get spinning.”

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A post shared by Shubhanshu Shukla (@gagan.shux)

He explained that Mercury astronauts once used the same device. Although the Mercury programme never required its use in orbit, the technique proved vital later. Neil Armstrong experienced uncontrolled tumbling during the Gemini 8 mission. He was forced to manually stabilise the spacecraft after a thruster failure.

Mr Shukla highlighted this history, noting its continued relevance. He said the trainer exposes astronauts to intense movements so they can still operate spacecraft effectively. The training prepares them for conditions that could otherwise overwhelm the body and mind.

Despite its nickname, the Vomit Comet Chair does not always induce nausea. Mr Shukla explained that the stomach stays centred, reducing sickness. However, he warned that closing the eyes can confuse the brain. This creates a sensory conflict that may lead to nausea, something he avoided testing.

He added, “Enjoy the ride,” after finishing the session. His post has since drawn attention from space enthusiasts worldwide.

The Multi-Axis Trainer remains an important part of astronaut training. It continues to teach calmness and recovery under extreme motion. From the Mercury and Gemini days to modern programmes, it shows that some lessons never lose their value in space exploration.