Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) for the Human Research Facility (HRF)

The microgravity environment presents unique challenges to mass measurement. Early attempts to develop a human mass measurement device for space application include: 1) a spring oscillator design, developed by astronaut Dr. William Thornton, used in Spacelab, and 2) a linear acceleration device, developed by the former Soviet Union, used in the Mir space station.

Accurate measurement of human body mass in microgravity is important for both research and crew health care monitoring. To accommodate this requirement, the Human Research Facility (HRF) has developed an improved acceleration-based Space Linear Acceleration Mass Measurement Device (SLAMMD) for the International Space Station (ISS).