michael takes a dose of centrifugal training
last year michael photographed the short arm human centrifuge (sahc) at the german aerospace center, and now he's stepped on board to experience the delights of rotational training. provided by the european space agency, the sahc is a unique device that opens the way to fundamental research in the field of human space travel for development of countermeasures to gravity-induced changes in the human body and associated medical risks.
forces produced by the rotation of the centrifuge generate artificial gravity. Michael experienced this special gravitational force for the first time which gave him the distinctly weird feeling he was standing with his two feet firmly on the ground – even though he knew he was actually lying down. maximum radial acceleration at foot level is 5 g; Michael went up to 4 g at which point his body functions - which were being closely monitored - reached a critical level. this fascinating technology has been developed for future use in orbital space stations or long distance space flights like manned missions to mars.
with special thanks to vanja zander, guido petrat and frederike wütscher from german aerospace center.