Periodic Acceleration Stimulation In Space

The need to provide acceleration in space for astronauts to prevent the physiologic debilitating effects of weightlessness-termed the weightless adaptation syndrome (WAS)-is discussed. The use of a short-radius 1.5-1.8 m (5 to 6 ft) centrifuge to provide short-duration (< 2 hrs) periodic (perhaps daily or less frequent) exposures of 1 G or greater to prevent WAS is proposed. This approach is termed periodic acceleration stimulation in a weightless environment (PAS-WE). Four human-use studies are described that are considered necessary to validate the usefulness of PAS-WE to prevent WAS and to provide the necessary information for aerospace engineers to design and build the proper centrifuge for Space Station.