Future space explorers are getting on their marks to invade gyms
and train like astronauts for the 2013 Mission-X challenge. Luca
Parmitano, the next European to fly to the Space Station, is
giving youngsters tips on being fit and having a healthy
lifestyle. In its third year, Mission-X fever is spreading
across the planet. Schoolchildren aged 8-12 years will follow
the six-week challenge in over 20 different countries. In
Europe, new participants will include Sweden, Norway and
Denmark. Young explorers worldwide will earn points by
completing activities inspired by astronaut training. ESA and
NASA anticipate as many as 15 000 students will join in the
competition - three times more than the first time around. Luca
encourages students to focus on fitness and healthy eating
throughout the challenge. In the video below, he links Mission-X
exercises with real astronaut training, bringing the excitement
of space exploration to schoolchildren. As he puts it, "You are
the future." 487 million steps to the Moon Foll