Hypogravity simulation using the Variable Gravity Suspension System: A technical report

Journal article

Human movement has evolved within Earth's gravitational environment (1 g; −9.81 m s−2). Future human exploration of terrestrial bodies, including the Moon (0.17 g; −1.62 m s−2) and Mars (0.38 g; −3.71 m s−2), will require astronauts to live and work within reduced gravitational environments (hypogravity). Progressing understanding of the physiological and biomechanical implications of movement in hypogravity will play a key role in supporting the expansion of humanity to terrestrial bodies beyond Earth, within our solar system. Ground‐based hypogravity analogues that enable the study of human movement are pivotal to developing knowledge in this field. Whole‐body suspension can serve as a resource‐efficient and accessible hypogravity analogue, yet only a limited number of such analogues exist globally. This technical report introduces a new hypogravity analogue facility: the Variable Gravity Suspension System (VGSS). The report introduces the VGSS and its theoretical framework, which enables simulation of both micro‐ and hypo‐gravity, presents proof‐of‐concept data regarding its ability to simulate hypogravity, and demonstrates the ability of the VGSS to facilitate locomotive and jumping activities in simulated hypogravity.

Authors: Swain, P; Swain, A; Santos, F; Hughes, L; Lindsay, K

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Wiley
• Journal: Experimental Physiology
• Publication date: 2025-07-23
• Acceptance date: 2025-06-30
• DOI: 10.1113/ep092172
• EISSN: 1469-445X
• ISSN: 0958-0670
• Language: English
• Keywords: astronaut; bodyweight support; analogue; Moon; hypogravity; Mars