Ground-Based Facilities for Simulation of Microgravity: Organism-Specific Recommendations for Their Use, and Recommended Terminology
Herranz R, Anken R, Boonstra J, Braun M, Christianen PCM, De Geest M, Hauslage J, Hilbig R, Hill RJA, Lebert M, Javier Medina F, Vagt N, Ullrich O, Van Loon JJWA, Hemmersbach R (2013)
Publication Status: Published
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2013
Journal
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert
Book Volume: 13
Pages Range: 1-17
Journal Issue: 1
Abstract
Research in microgravity is indispensable to disclose the impact of gravity on biological processes and organisms. However, research in the near-Earth orbit is severely constrained by the limited number of flight opportunities. Ground-based simulators of microgravity are valuable tools for preparing spaceflight experiments, but they also facilitate stand-alone studies and thus provide additional and cost-efficient platforms for gravitational research. The various microgravity simulators that are frequently used by gravitational biologists are based on different physical principles. This comparative study gives an overview of the most frequently used microgravity simulators and demonstrates their individual capacities and limitations. The range of applicability of the various ground-based microgravity simulators for biological specimens was carefully evaluated by using organisms that have been studied extensively under the conditions of real microgravity in space. In addition, current heterogeneous terminology is discussed critically, and recommendations are given for appropriate selection of adequate simulators and consistent use of nomenclature.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) / German Aerospace Center
Germany (DE)
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands (NL)
University of Zurich / Universität Zürich (UZH)
Switzerland (CH)
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Germany (DE)
Spanish National Research Council / Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Spain (ES)
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom (GB)
Universität Hohenheim
Germany (DE)
Universiteit Utrecht (UU) / Utrecht University
Netherlands (NL)
Radboud University Nijmegen
Netherlands (NL)
Germany (DE)
University of Amsterdam
Netherlands (NL)
University of Zurich / Universität Zürich (UZH)
Switzerland (CH)
Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Germany (DE)
Spanish National Research Council / Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Spain (ES)
University of Nottingham
United Kingdom (GB)
Universität Hohenheim
Germany (DE)
Universiteit Utrecht (UU) / Utrecht University
Netherlands (NL)
Radboud University Nijmegen
Netherlands (NL)
How to cite
APA:
Herranz, R., Anken, R., Boonstra, J., Braun, M., Christianen, P.C.M., De Geest, M.,... Hemmersbach, R. (2013). Ground-Based Facilities for Simulation of Microgravity: Organism-Specific Recommendations for Their Use, and Recommended Terminology. Astrobiology, 13(1), 1-17. https://dx.doi.org/10.1089/ast.2012.0876
MLA:
Herranz, Raul, et al. "Ground-Based Facilities for Simulation of Microgravity: Organism-Specific Recommendations for Their Use, and Recommended Terminology." Astrobiology 13.1 (2013): 1-17.
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