World Cup not just for those on earth
Friday, June 13, 2014, 4:40 PM -
As Brazil prepared to welcome the world at the opening of the World Cup, astronauts aboard the International Space Station were having a kick about of their own.
U.S. astronauts Reid Wiseman, Steve Swanson, and German astronaut Alexander Gerst demonstrated what soccer looks like when played under microgravity.
The crew have been conducting science experiments while on board the ISS but thanks to NASA, will be able to see all the action shortly after it's broadcast on terrestrial TV.
Steve Swanson and his fellow astronauts have been participating in two science investigations recently.
The Skin-B investigation has been analyzing the rapid aging of skin in space due to microgravity and been comparing the results with the effect on other organs.
RELATED: The science behind a selfie that is OUT of this world
The other investigation would be fit for any soccer player here on Earth.
The VO2 exercise experiment involves intense cardiovascular and resistance exercise for three days, instead of six days of normal exercise. Physical activity is important in space as it helps prevent bone and muscle loss for the astronauts.
Aside from playing around, the astronauts sent down a special message to all the players and teams as they begin competition.
There was also a little friendly ribbing between the group. The USA and Germany face-off against each other on June 26th, a match that is sure to bring the ISS to a standstill.
Of course if you are FIFA President Sepp Blatter, this kind of play will be the norm of world soccer one day.
The eccentric leader of world soccer's governing body recently said at a meeting of FIFA members that "Our objective never finishes. From north to west to east and south, we shall wonder one day if our game is played on other planets – and then one day we won’t have the World Cup, we will have interplanetary contests."
