Garmin smartwatches play key role in human spaceflight research

Crew of Fram2 mission wears 'space-ready' fēnix smartwatches to help scientists understand the effect of space travel on behavioral health

OLATHE, Kan., April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced fēnix® smartwatches are supporting groundbreaking scientific research during the Fram2 human spaceflight mission. The all-civilian crew will study how spaceflight affects both the mind and body, with researchers continuously monitoring Garmin smartwatch biometrics such as heart rate, Pulse Ox, Body Battery^™ and more—all on a single battery charge.

"Garmin is honored that its flagship fēnix smartwatch is fully 'space ready' to support research to help advance the future of human spaceflight. 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."  
—Jörn Watzke, Senior Director Garmin Health

Garmin smartwatches are well-suited for scientific health research in the cosmos due to their long battery life, rugged durability and extensive suite of all-day health monitoring features. 

The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) at Baylor College of Medicine is supporting health, biomedical and behavioral research to help prepare humanity for future human space exploration.

"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."
—Jimmy Wu, TRISH Deputy Director and Chief Engineer

Fram2 marks the first time a human spaceflight mission launched into a polar orbit to explore Earth's polar regions and is the second private spaceflight to leverage Garmin smartwatch technology in support of scientific research.

Garmin Health, a leading provider of digital health solutions that leverage the sensor data and insights of the Garmin product ecosystem, delivers custom results for corporate wellness, population health and patient monitoring programs. By using the Garmin Health API and SDK, third parties can seamlessly integrate real-time and historical smartwatch data into their apps in accordance with their specific privacy policies. As part of a global company that designs, manufactures and ships products worldwide, Garmin Health empowers enterprises to work with a single, trusted provider. For more information, email our media team, connect with us on LinkedIn or visit us online at garmin.com/health.

About Garmin International, Inc. Garmin International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd. (NYSE: GRMN). Garmin Ltd. is incorporated in Switzerland, and its principal subsidiaries are located in the United States, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Garmin, fēnix and Body Battery are registered trademarks of Garmin Ltd.

About the Translational Research Institute for Space Health The Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) is a lean, virtual institute empowered by the NASA Human Research Program to solve the challenges of human deep space exploration. TRISH relentlessly pursues and funds novel research to deliver high-impact scientific and technological solutions that advance space health and help humans thrive wherever they explore, in space or on Earth. Led by Baylor College of Medicine's Center for Space Medicine, the TRISH consortium leverages partnerships with Caltech and MIT. Learn more at bcm.edu/spacehealth.

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Notice on Forward-Looking Statements:
This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Garmin Ltd. and its business. Such statements are based on management's current expectations.  The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and actual results could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting Garmin, including, but not limited to, the risk factors listed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2024, filed by Garmin with the Securities and Exchange Commission (Commission file number 0-31983).  A copy of such Form 10-K is available at https://www.garmin.com/en-US/company/investors/earnings/. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Garmin undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Elliott Scott
913-440-1556
[email protected]

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SOURCE Garmin International, Inc.