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Instrument for Measuring the Body Mass of Astronauts Under Microgravity Conditions

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Abstract

An improved prototype of the space scale, which has been proposed as a practical and lightweight instrument for measuring the body mass of astronauts under microgravity conditions in the International Space Station (ISS), has been developed. A prominent feature of the proposed instrument is the use of a bungee cord as the source of force. This results in a simple, lightweight, and compact structure of the instrument. It also results in a large displacement during the measurement and then the reduction of the effect of change in subject posture. The feasibility of the prototype design has been evaluated by quantifying the body mass of a human subject in a parabolic flight test. The present and future statuses of the space scale are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Gunma University, Gunma, 276-8515, Japan

    Yusaku Fujii & Koichi Maru

  2. Medical Operations, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), JAXA Houston Office, Houston, TX, 77058, USA

    Kazuhito Shimada

Authors
  1. Yusaku Fujii
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  2. Kazuhito Shimada
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  3. Koichi Maru
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Correspondence to Yusaku Fujii.

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Fujii, Y., Shimada, K. & Maru, K. Instrument for Measuring the Body Mass of Astronauts Under Microgravity Conditions. Microgravity Sci. Technol. 22, 115–121 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-009-9161-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12217-009-9161-5

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