The Skylab program studied the human body's reaction to long-duration flight in a microgravity (weightless) environment. Skylab astronauts used a stationary bicycle without wheels (ergometer) identical to this one to measure their heart rate, breathing, and work level while they exercised. Electrical recordings of heart activity of each astronaut were taken before, during, and after flight to determine changes in heart functions that might have been caused by the long-duration flights of 28, 59, and 84 days. They also measured their oxygen intake and carbon dioxide output as they exercised.
NASA donated this ergometer to the Museum for display in the backup Skylab orbital workshop in 1976.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Medical
Manufacturer
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
Teledyne Systems Co.
Dimensions
3-D: 116.8 x 63.5 x 114.3cm (46 x 25 x 45 in.)
Materials
aluminum, steel, plastic, rubber, vinyl
Inventory Number
A19761669000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA Johnson Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
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