An exercise machine for astronauts has entered an Airbus accelerator.
Built by UK startupPhysical Mind London, thedevicemitigates the impacts of zero gravity, which can be brutal.
After six months in space, astronauts can lose up to20% 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 Londonwants to provide those countermeasures.
The companys flagship product is the HIFIm (High Frequency Impulses for Microgravity machine).
HIFIm provides a workout based on one special exercise: jumping.
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Studies show that jumping provides efficient maintenance for muscles and bones duringspacetravel.
HIFIm simulates the movement on a bench-like gadget.
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.
He has also worked as physical therapist.
Kennett drew on both these fields to design HIFIm.
He describes the unit 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.
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 firstAirbus 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.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
