Airbus backs space gym to jump-start astronaut health

An exercise machine for astronauts has entered an Airbus accelerator.

Built by UK startup Physical Mind London, the device mitigates the impacts of zero gravity, which can be brutal.

After six months in space, astronauts can lose up to 20% of their bone mass. Their muscles can also shrink dramatically. On short flights, they can suffer muscle loss of 20%. If no countermeasures are applied, this can rise to 50%.

Physical Mind London wants to provide those countermeasures. The company’s flagship product is the HIFIm (High Frequency Impulses for Microgravity machine).

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HIFIm provides a workout based on one special exercise: jumping.

Studies show that jumping provides efficient maintenance for muscles and bones during space travel. Research by the European Space Agency (ESA) found that jumping for just four to six minutes a day can allay the damage done by microgravity.

HIFIm simulates the movement on a bench-like device. No electricity is required for the system.

Astronauts first lie down on the machine. They then push their feet against a pad to “jump” horizontally. High-tensile springs add control and resistance to the exercise.

According to Physical Mind London, the system can reduce the time that astronauts need to exercise by over 80%.

A jump-start for astronauts

The founder of Physical Mind London, John E Kennett, was previously an aerospace engineer. He has also worked as physical therapist.

Kennett drew on both these fields to design HIFIm. He describes the device as “the next generation of multi-exercise countermeasures for long duration human space exploration.”

Kennett has already  company has already tested the tech in microgravity. Budding astronauts have exercised on HIFIm during parabolic flights, which reproduce weightlessness by soaring up and down at stomach-turning 45 angles.

HIFIm is designed for compact conditions. Small in size and light in weight, the machine can fit on spacecraft without adding a burdensome payload.

The system also isolates any vibrations — because no one wants their spaceship to shake.

These attributes has won support from ESA, the UK Space Agency, and now, Airbus.

The aerospace giant has selected Physical Mind London for the first Airbus Space Accelerator.

During the 14-week programme, the startup will receive support on both technical and business development. By the end, HIFIm could be jumping closer to the cosmos.