Operational
Characteristics:
- Chronic exposure (weeks to months)
- Humans, rodents, small primates, and
plants.
- Human free roaming habitat within
The 52-Foot Diameter Centrifuge, can support chronic human, animal,
and plant studies under gravity forces up to 2 G. The centrifuge accommodates
two rooms that can be configured as an animal habitat and a human
habitat. Each habitat is 190 sq ft in size. The two habitats can be
connected by a passageway to enable human operators to move from one
habitat to the other while the centrifuge is in operation. A central
area in the habitat can be configured “as-needed” for specific research
requirements.
The human habitat accommodates up to four
individual sleep chambers positioned along
the rear wall of the habitat. Each sleep
chamber is a small room (6 ft x 4 ft) and
accommodates a person standing or sitting as
well as sleeping. Each chamber can be
configured to contain a folding bed, a
fold-down table, a storage area for personal
belongings, a video monitor, and a lap-top
computer. The restroom/shower is located at
one end of the habitat with room for a toilet, a
sink, a shower, and a storage cabinet for
toiletries. The central area can be configured
as a group area. With a table opened to full
length (3 ft), four people are able to use the
area for dining, conversation, or recreation.
At the opposite end of the habitat from the
restroom/shower is an area available for
conducting experiments.
Each habitat may be equipped with an access panel to a radial passage-way
which connects the habitat to the central hub of the centrifuge. A
motorized delivery system can be used to transport materials (e.g.,
food, clothing, data tapes, animal cages) into and from the centrifuge
without interruption of rotation.
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During experiments, human subjects have access to experiment support
personnel through an intercom system. While studies are in progress,
P.I. staff, engineers, and facility support personnel monitor subjects
from an experiment operation control center adjacent to the centrifuge.
Experiment data can be downloaded through slip rings in real-time
or off-line.
Performance limits and specifications:
Radius:
15-20 ft
Payload:
5000 lbs
Max G:
2 G
Max RPM:
21 RPM
Cabs:
190ft2
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