Explained: Why 'key' Real Madrid coach is working with NASA on the Artemis moon programme

As the space agency advances its ambitious Artemis program, aimed at returning humans to the moon for the first time since 1972, Pintus' expertise in physical conditioning is proving invaluable. The "key figure" at Real Madrid has been actively involved with NASA for over a year and has also visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. There, he has delivered talks on how his advanced training methods can be adapted to benefit astronauts. His insights, focussed on maintaining peak physical fitness during long-duration space missions, have become a critical aspect of the Artemis program.

According to The Athletic, the collaboration between Pintus and NASA began serendipitously last summer. During Real Madrid's pre-season tour in the United States, Spanish engineer Carlos Garcia-Galan, affiliated with NASA, was invited to a training session in Houston. The invitation stemmed from Garcia-Galan's acquaintance with Real Madrid legend and ambassador Emilio Butragueno, established during a previous tour.

Pintus' approach, which seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with meticulous data analysis, has earned him immense respect and admiration, not only among his players but also with the scientists at NASA. His visit to the Johnson Space Center involved a week-long immersion in the facilities, including the laboratories and training centres. He also experienced the simulator for the Orion mission vehicle, gaining firsthand insights into astronaut training.

Judith Hayes, NASA’s chief science officer in charge of human health and performance, was thrilled after interacting with Pintus.

“You can’t get any better than Real Madrid when it comes to demonstrating athletic performance,” he said.

"He became very, very popular — he has quite a presence. Our scientists, exercise physiologists, astronauts, physicians, trainers, and engineers hung on every word that he had to share with us. He was able to challenge our people and our thinking. It made us think about different ways to look at things.”

One significant challenge in space missions is the limited room available for physical exercise. Pintus' engagement with NASA has prompted their engineers to explore the development of specialised equipment and exercise routines that could be integrated into astronauts' regimens, ensuring they remain fit despite the spatial constraints.

Pintus' commitment to individualised fitness is evident in his approach to off-season training. Last summer, he provided Real Madrid players with customised training plans, utilising specialised masks to monitor oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This personalised method ensures that each player receives the precise conditioning needed for optimal performance. Garcia-Galan believes such techniques could be adapted for astronauts to enhance their pre-mission fitness. “Astronauts do not have to be like athletes, but the same methods can still work,” Garcia-Galan said. “We were interested in investigating that a bit more.”

The partnership between Pintus and NASA remains active. Garcia-Galan recently visited Real Madrid's training camp in Chicago, indicating the sustained interest in this unique collaboration. However, Pintus' primary objective remains to keep Real Madrid's players fit and running as their pre-season schedule is packed with high-profile games that include playing AC Milan in Chicago, Barcelona in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Chelsea in Charlotte, North Carolina. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for Real's European Super Cup final clash against Atalanta on August 14.