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NASA's 20-G Centrifuge Machine

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the like-to-see-that-in-an-arcade dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "Scientists from NASA and two U.S. universities are using a 20-G centrifuge machine that can simulate up to 20 times the terrestrial gravity to evaluate the effects of hypergravity on humans. This 58-foot diameter centrifuge has three cabins, one for humans -- limited to 12.5 G -- and two for objects and flying hardware. The goal of these experiments is to reduce the adverse effects that space travel can have on astronauts' physical heath. But by studying the health benefits of exercise on astronauts, the researchers also hope to help the rapidly growing senior population who, like astronauts, doesn't exercise much. Read more for additional details and pictures about this NASA's machine."

14 of 154 comments (clear)

  1. "Flying Hardware" at 20 Gs? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Man, hope they keep the doors firmly bolted on that thing!

  2. Destination: Gitmo by Quantam · · Score: 5, Funny

    Amazing 2 in 1 machine assists in space research while extracting information from uncooperative terrorists! A bargain for your tax dollars!

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  3. Effects of hypergravity? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny
    While one should be skeptical that pressures as great as 12.50G let alone 20.00G would ever be experienced during space travel (space being weightless, this would I imagine be largely of concern only to a craft piloted foolishly close to a black hole) I hope the testing of effects of hypergravity on equipment is extended to onboard computers as well.

    When we make a mistake on little things like mixing standard and metric measurements, I worry about the more complex -- designing a craft around a computer running at 1Ghz at 1G may lead to folly when electrical current is trying to move through the same circuits with twenty times the gravitational force on it.

    I'm a big believer in planning, and fortunately it looks like that's going on here. Hopefully this is a sign that we're still on track for manned intrastellar exploration.

    1. Re:Effects of hypergravity? by st1d · · Score: 3, Funny

      Well, not to nitpick, but the fastest way to get to alpha centauri (not counting a few out-there theoretical means of travel) would be to accelerate the whole way, and slam into the star... :)

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  4. exercise by omeomi · · Score: 3, Funny

    help the rapidly growing senior population who, like astronauts, doesn't exercise much

    This seems like a really expensive way to prove that both groups just need to exercise more...

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    1. Re:exercise by Basehart · · Score: 3, Funny

      "I don't get it, they're going to help senior citizens exercise by putting them inside a machine with 20G gravity?"

      Not all of them at once. Sheesh!

    2. Re:exercise by st1d · · Score: 2, Funny

      >>Not all of them at once. Sheesh!

      Of course not. You put them in a few at a time, then spin them at 20g for a bit.

      Then you can fit more in. :)

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  5. Margaritas by achesloc · · Score: 4, Funny

    I just want to know if it can mix a good margarita. My machine broke.

  6. Awesome! by starwed · · Score: 3, Funny

    Now I can finally become a Super-Saiyan!

  7. Obligatory Futurama by zblack_eagle · · Score: 4, Funny

    Zoidberg: Relax, Fry. I'll simply spin you in a high-speed centrifuge, separating out the denser fluid of His Highness.

    Fry: But won't that crush my bones?

    Zoidberg: Oh, right, right, with the bones! I always forget about the bones.

  8. Re:Very interestng proposal... by NitsujTPU · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dude. They could learn to become Super-Saiyans!!

  9. Just like the Moonraker Centrifuge by acid_andy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Bond: How fast does it go?
    Goodhead: It can go up to 20Gs, but that would be fatal. 3Gs is equivalent to take-off pressure. Most people pass out at 7.
    Bond: You make a great saleswoman.
    Goodhead: You don't have to worry. This is what we call a chicken switch. You just keep your finger on that button and the moment the pressure gets too much for you, release the button and the power's cut off.
    Bond: Just like that?!
    Goodhead: Oh come on Mr Bond, a 70 year old can take 3Gs!
    Bond: Well the trouble is there's never a 70 year old around when you need one...

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  10. Re:Gravity of which planet? by Meumeu · · Score: 2, Funny

    That article should read "20 times the terrestrial gravity OF EARTH".

    Right. We don't want to confuse it with the venusian gravity of Mars...

  11. Re:Very interestng proposal... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Just remember to tense it. Having a "friend" drop a medicine ball on your stomach while you don't tense it is just painful and damaging.