Active Response Gravity Offload System

NASA has used two systems to train astronauts for weightlessness. The first is the Reduced Gravity Simulator that suspended the astronaut at an angle of 80.5 so that only 1/6th of his or her weight was supported by the ground, while the rest was supported by a pulley system. The other system, designed during the Apollo era, is the Partial Gravity Simulator (POGO), which uses an air-controlled piston along with air bearings and gimbals to simulate reduced gravity. This pneumatic system is attached to an air-bearing rail to allow for maneuverability in two dimensions. POGO was used to train astronauts on how to use tools and other hardware in microgravity.