THE SPACE CYCLE(TM) SELF-POWERED HUMAN CENTRIFUGE - A PROPOSED COUNTERMEASURE FOR PROLONGED HUMAN SPACEFLIGHT

The Self Powered Human Centrifuge, or Space Cycle(TM), is a counter-me asure to the adverse physiologic effects of prolonged human exposure t o spaceflight microgravity. This unique device simultaneously provides exercise, impact loading and gravity analogous acceleration to emulat e conditions on Earth. One or two crewmembers pedal themselves about a shaft mounted to the space craft located ''above'' their heads. This creates a short arm centrifuge with a head-to-toe acceleration orienta tion. The potential advantages of the Space Cycle(TM) include: a) reve rsal of cephalad fluid shift, minimizing post flight orthostatic intol erance; b) pedaling to maintain muscular and cardiovascular fitness; a nd c) enhancement of skeletal homeostasis by impact loading with a ped al-crank mounted cam and frame mounted resistive device. Other anticip ated advantages include generation of usable electricity, physiologic monitoring and a means of mass measurement. Motion sickness is control led with restraints and virtual reality headsets. The device is compat ible with international Space Station dimensional constraints.