Physiological mass measurements on Skylab 1/2 and 1/3.
Mass measurements of crewmen and objects were made for the first time in space during Skylab. A description of the new devices designed for such measurements and of the technique of their use is detailed. Results from ground-based chamber simulation tests and from those during Skylab II and III show similar patterns of simple metabolic deficits, of a rapid loss during the first few days of flight followed by a reciprocal gain for the first few postflight days, and other transient changes. It is concluded that two major causes of weight loss are present: (1) a fluid redistribution and loss, and (2) metabolic losses. Added to these are short-term changes from transient stress. Smaller, simpler, and cheaper devices have since been designed which should allow mass measurements on virtually any object in almost any spacecraft.
Thornton
W
W
Johnson Space Center, NASA, Houston, Texas, USA.
Ord
J
J
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000337:Aerospace Medicine; D000855:Anorexia / Q000503:physiopathology; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013026:Space Flight / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*; D014893:Weightlessness