NASA's 20-G Centrifuge Machine

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."

Comments

That thing spins fast!

[jZnat]

58.88 m/s, or 131.72 mph, or 211.98 km/hr.

Destination: Gitmo

[Quantam]

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

Very interestng proposal...

[kitsunewarlock]

I've personally wanted to play around with a "high gravity" machine for a long time. Training in one would be the ultimate experience for any athlete I'm sure. I just wonder if the intense G's would actually strengthen your organs and bones by stress-testing them, so to speak, or just weaken them. Probably the latter.

Re:Very interestng proposal...

[electrosoccertux]

Certain techniques can strengthen bones. What you speak of, stress-testing them, is a common way of building bone mass among martial artists. Actually they don't have to work at it, it just happens. Bones are an interconnected calcium (among other things) mesh. In between these connections, there are lots of miniature bubbles and air pockets. When the fighter repeatedly hits an object with enough force, the pressure in the bones breaks the weakest parts of the mesh. Later these get built back. But this time they are much stronger, and can withstand more force.

Since the centrifugal machine is sustained force and not an impulse, I doubt would inherently make your bones stonger. As far as making organs tougher, there are other ways to do that. Having a friend drop a medicine ball on your stomach while you tense it is a great way to toughen your abdomen.

exercise

[omeomi]

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...

Re:exercise

[Basehart]

"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!

Margaritas

[achesloc]

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

Ummmm Astronaughts are in Fantastic shape.

[feyhunde]

I've got a chance to meet a few when I was working on a college project a few years back that had Nasa ties.
Don Pettit, former ISS Science Officer, was up for around 6 months. You'd think he'd be like that Russian who was too weak to walk and had a critical loss of bone density.

Nope. He got up, and with in a week was running 10 miles or more a day. He lost essentially no bone density. Freaking fantastic shape he's in. All the astronaut core is like that. It's all about constant exercise and having impact exercise.

Awesome!

[starwed]

Now I can finally become a Super-Saiyan!

Obligatory Futurama

[zblack_eagle]

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.

Just like the Moonraker Centrifuge

[acid_andy]

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...

Re:Effects of hypergravity?

[st1d]

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... :)