Question: Can a Bungee Cord Space Suit Solve the Problem of Micro Gravity?

This question just struck me. Has there ever been any experimentation in space with bungee cords integrated into clothing to help maintain bone strength? It wouldn't be the same as gravity but all you really need to do is maintain some resistance on the bones, right? I'm thinking if every time you reach for something or stretch your legs your body is presented with resistance via strong elastic cords, it would go a long way in maintaining bone mass.

This idea could even been expanded on (no pun intended) where the suits of astronauts could be tethered by long bungee cords from a points on the four walls and floor of a space cabin to simulate gravity on the whole body so, no matter where they move throughout the space ship, they encounter a constant light resistance. And of course, the bungee cords could be swapped out for different strength cords if the astronauts require more resistance.

There are probably other issues to be concerned about with micro gravity but I like the idea of an inexpensive low tech solution to this. How would you personally design such a system so the cords wouldn't interfere with the astronauts activities? I imagine the cords would have to extend from a single point in the ceiling that could spin in response to the movements of the astronauts about the space cabin. But maybe just having the cords in the space suits would be enough?

 

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What?

 

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Was this a dumb idea? Has it already been proposed and dismissed?

 

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You might have more of a market inventing a clothing line for athletes than space. One problem I would see is that they do a lot of training on earth where that would only add to the weight of the already cumbersome suits.

Most of the time in space they do not wear spacesuits so that is another problem. You would need to have it designed outside of a suit scenario to be effective.

Another problem is in zero gravity Astronauts do not bend their limbs to cross distances the simply push off and float to their destinations. Any bungee chord pulling at their limbs might just make them assume a crunched up position for comfort.

Also there is ways to create artificial gravity on a space station if the trip was to be lengthy. They could create a spaceship that spins in the crew area pushing them towards the outer walls with enough room to treat them as a floor plan.

Athletes will buy anything though, but weighted ankle bracelets are probably sufficient for that market.

Astronauts could also have a full gym of resistance (bungee/bowflex) training equipment from exercise bikes to "weights", and could keep their muscles active by scheduling such activities regularly.

 

Well, I didn't mean a big cumbersome spacesuit. But you make some good points about not normally bending the knees and simply pushing off things. There's got to be a simple solution for this besides spinning.

 

I think astronauts do exercise a lot in space. Your concept would be more suitable to a exercise machine for astronauts. Also, I'm a little disappointed, bungee cord space suits sounds much more fun than what you described lol

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