• Question: Will we be able to create gravity on space stations one day?

    Asked by hyattc to Rochelle, Michaela, Camilla, Beth, Adrian on 25 Jan 2016.
    • Photo: Camilla Weiss

      Camilla Weiss answered on 25 Jan 2016:


      You can create artificial gravity in space by rotating a spaceship or space station. If you imagine a bicycle wheel shape spaced station – when it starts spinning it creates a centrifugal force which is strongest at the outer rim. In a similar way that on Earth gravity pulls us towards the centre of the planet from our heads to our toes the centrifugal force would ‘push’ people at the outer edge creating an artificial gravity where you can walk around the rim. I think if we were’ ever going to spend long periods of time in space some kind of artificial gravity will be essential in order to keep our bodies’ bones and muscles working properly.

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