The Skylab program studied the human body's reaction to long-duration flight in a microgravity (weightless) environment. Skylab astronauts used a rotating litter chair identical to this one to test their balance, coordination, and susceptibility to motion sickness in space. Data was collected about changes in human gravity receptors and about the sensitivity of the semicircular canals of the inner ear where motion is perceived. The motion tests were conducted on each of the then long-duration flights of 28, 59 and 84 days in 1973-1974.
Under contract with the Naval Aerospace Medical Lab, Pensacola, Fla., four units were fabricated at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Central Engineering Laboratory. NASA donated this unflown rotating chair to the Museum in 1976 for display in the backup Skylab orbital workshop.
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
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Dimensions
3-D: 88.9 x 81.3 x 144.8cm (35 x 32 x 57 in.)
Materials
aluminum, fabric straps, Velcro
Inventory Number
A19761672000
Credit Line
Transferred from NASA
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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