Garmin Smartwatches Power Space Health Research on Historic Fram2 Civilian Mission
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
Garmin’s fēnix® smartwatches are once again heading beyond Earth—this time as vital tools in a groundbreaking space health study. The Fram2 mission, an all-civilian flight and the first to enter polar orbit, is using Garmin wearables to collect continuous biometric data that could help scientists better understand how spaceflight affects the human body and mind.
Researchers are leveraging the devices to monitor metrics like heart rate, Pulse Ox, stress, and Garmin’s Body Battery™ feature. The data is being collected on a single battery charge, with no recharging required during the mission.
“Garmin is honored that its flagship fēnix smartwatch is fully 'space ready' to support research to help advance the future of human spaceflight,” said Jörn Watzke, Senior Director of Garmin Health. “These durable and rugged outdoor watches were thoroughly tested to ensure they can withstand the harsh, low-pressure environment that accompanies space travel. And, with exceptional battery life, researchers can monitor crew members 24/7 during space missions — no down time needed for recharging the watch.”
The effort is part of a collaboration with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health at Baylor College of Medicine. TRISH supports health, biomedical, and behavioral research with a focus on preparing for future human exploration in deep space.
“The physiological data collected from crew members will be added to TRISH's EXPAND database and can be used to address a wide range of challenges that humans face on space missions such as early detection of potential medical conditions and mental health challenges,” said Jimmy Wu, TRISH Deputy Director and Chief Engineer.
Fram2 is the second private spaceflight to incorporate Garmin smartwatch technology for scientific purposes. The mission’s unique polar trajectory is expected to yield new insights into space physiology by covering previously underexplored geographic regions.
Garmin smartwatches were selected for the Fram2 mission because they can capture detailed health data—like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and energy levels—reliably and continuously, even in the extreme conditions of space. While that environment is far removed from gyms and studios, the core functionality of these wearables is the same.
In everyday settings, fitness professionals are already using similar devices to track client progress, inform recovery strategies, and personalize programs. The fact that this technology is now trusted in space research underscores its potential as a serious tool for health monitoring—not just for astronauts, but for anyone working toward better performance and wellbeing on the ground.
Credit: Garmin