Space Flight Simulation and Analogues

Readings | Presentations | Still Images | Links

Overview

Performing experiments in space is an expensive and time-consuming process. An investigator would be extremely fortunate to fly one experiment a year for several years in a row. For this reason, scientists are constantly looking for ground-based models that simulate the effects of microgravity on their experimental subjects. Although no ground-based model can perfectly simulate the effects of microgravity, models allow scientists to gather preliminary data and expand their knowledge of certain phenomena observed in space without the cost or complication of a space flight experiment.

Ground-based models for studying the cardiovascular system include head-down bedrest and lower body positive pressure, which both cause a pooling of fluids in the upper body similar to that seen in microgravity. Bedrest is also used to simulate the wasting observed in the musculoskeletal system in microgravity and hind-limb suspension in rats induces the same type of disuse atrophy seen in astronauts in space. Plant biologists can make use of a clinostat, a motorized wheel that holds a plant parallel to the ground and rotates like a car wheel. As the plant rotates, both the stem and roots will grow horizontally instead of exhibiting characteristic geotropic (gravity-oriented) responses.

None of the above models are an ideal simulation of the microgravity environment, but they do provide important supplementary information to scientists. Researchers continue to search for improved models of how microgravity effects humans, animals, and plants.

Readings

Clinostats and Bioreactors
Description: This article, published by ASGSB, profiles clinostats and bioreactors, two typses of ground-based models used to simulate microgravity. (Posted on 11/03)

Human and Rodent Ground-based Models of Space Flight Experiments
Description: This article, published by ASGSB, discusses why animal models are needed and the various animal models and human analogs that are used to simulate microgravity. (Posted on 11/03)

Ground-Based Models for Studying Adaptation to Altered Gravity
Description: This paper explains some common ground-based models used by researchers on Earth to simulate the effects of microgravity on living systems. (Posted on 12/00)

Presentations

Simulators & Analogs Description: This presentation describes various space flight simulators and analogs, which can be used to prepare for and further study influences of the space flight environment. The PowerPoint file includes lecture notes in the notes field. (Posted on 11/03)

Still Images

Head-Down Tilt Bed Rest
Source: Ames Research Center
Format: JPEG
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Description: Head-down tilt bed rest is a way for researchers on Earth to simulate the effects of microgravity-induced fluid shift on the body. (Posted on 12/00)



Centrifuge in Motion
Source: Ames Research Center
Format: JPEG
centrifuge in motionView the image
Description: The 24-foot Diameter Centrifuge at NASAÕs Ames Research Center enables study of hypergravity on small animals.(Posted on 5/04)



KC-135 in Flight
Source: Ames Research Center
Format: JPEG
KC 135View the image
Description: KC-135, NASA's Reduced Gravity aircraft provides seconds of simulated microgravity.(Posted on 5/04)



Human Research Facility
Source: Ames Research Center
Format: JPEG
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Description: This image shows several research subjects undergoing head-down tilt bed rest at the Ames Research Center Human Research Facility. (Posted on 12/00)



Human Research Facility Shower
Source: Ames Research Center
Format: JPEG
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Description: This image shows the shower at the Human Research Facility and gives a picture of how subjects undergoing head-down tilt bed rest manage daily life. (Posted on 12/00)


Links

Artificial Gravity at MIT
Scientists and engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Man Vehicle Laboratory are tackling issues related to human exposure to microgravity via experiments in artificial gravity.

The Center for Gravitational Biology Research
The Center for Gravitational Biology Research (CGBR) manages a set of ground-based facilites at Ames Researh Center.