A New Innovative Invention That Will Help Astronauts Jump In Zero Gravity To Maintain Their Bone Density In Space

Bone density is the amount of bone minerals (mostly calcium and phosphorus) in bone tissue.

Why bone density is important? Our bones are helping us and allowing us to move. They protect our brain, heart, and other organs from injury. Our bones also store minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which help to keep our bones strong and release them to the body when needed for other uses.

Why does bone density gets lost in space? Bone loss occurs in the weightless environment of space, as bones no longer have to support the body against gravity. On Earth, gravity applies a constant mechanical load to the skeletal system, which causes healthy bones to maintaining a certain density so that they can support the body.

According to NASA, astronauts can lose as much as 10 percent of their bone density during six months in space, because their body has no gravity to push against.

At the moment, astronauts exercise for two hours a day, at least six days a week to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent them from losing too much muscle and bone density. But Mr. John Kennetta (Engineer) says that his new invention could reduce these workouts to just six minutes a day.

John Kennett Invention
Image Credit:- Leo Wilkinson Photography

An engineer from London thinks he might have the solution to keep astronauts fit and healthy in a space-a machine that allows them to jump in zero gravity.

Jumping in zero gravity would help build up bone density and muscle mass, rather than astronauts losing it while in space.

John Kennett, the engineer of this project, says, "Jumping is really important to help build bone density and muscle mass, but jumping at zero gravity is very difficult."

But his machine allows a person, when repeatedly jumping, to load their skeletal system, their bones, then begin to lay down more bone density, and to prevent astronauts from losing their bone density and muscle mass.

Mr. John Kennett says that it will allow astronauts to take part in a short but intense workout designed to build muscle mass and bone density. And his machine also has different settings so that it works equally well for both men and women.

Former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao says keeping active and exercising while in space is very important for a successful recovery once back on Earth. He also said he would welcome shorter workouts that would free those on board to have more time for their core duties.

Tess Morris-Paterson, who is one of those who is testing this device, says the short, intense workout gives her a full-body benefit. "When you jump on this, you can really feel it from your toes right through your shoulders, your bone mineral density right through your ankle, your knees, your hips, right through your spine, and from a muscular point of view, you can really feel that almost everything is working,"

Next year, the machine will be tested at zero gravity and is expected to be used on a space mission in 2024.