Simulated Gravity Research

Research Group and Laboratory of Simulated Gravity Research

The Simulated Gravity Research Laboratory is an interdisciplinary research and development unit operating within the Faculty of Space Technologies, specializing in studies on the effects of altered gravitational conditions on living organisms, biological technologies, and systems used in space exploration.

The mission of the laboratory is to develop technologies enabling the simulation of microgravity, lunar gravity, Martian gravity, and hypergravity conditions, as well as to conduct biological, biomedical, and technological research supporting future space missions and the development of the space life sciences sector.

Main Areas of Activity

1. Gravity Simulation Technologies

The laboratory designs, constructs, and develops research devices dedicated to the simulation of various gravitational environments, including:

• microgravity,
• partial lunar and Martian gravity,
• hypergravity.

The laboratory operates advanced research platforms such as:

• Random Positioning Machines (RPM),
• single-axis and multi-axis clinostats,
• rotational systems for biological research,
• prototype hypergravity generation devices.

These systems undergo:

• design and optimization processes,
• calibration,
• experimental validation,
• environmental parameter certification.

2. Biological and Biomedical Research

The laboratory conducts research on the effects of altered gravitational conditions on:

• cell cultures,
• microorganisms,
• plant model organisms,
• insects and small biological organisms,
• metabolic and adaptive processes.

Research activities include:

• cellular responses to gravitational stress,
• changes in gene expression and metabolic pathways,
• the effects of microgravity on cell growth and differentiation,
• development of food technologies for space missions,
• biotechnologies supporting long-duration spaceflight,
• life support systems and space biology.

3. Hypergravity Research and Space Medicine

The laboratory conducts experiments related to the effects of overloads and hypergravity on the human body and space technologies.

In cooperation with the Military Institute of Aviation and Space Medicine, the laboratory performs:

• centrifuge-based overload experiments,
• human physiological studies,
• tests of human tolerance to high-G conditions,
• validation of biomedical technologies and medical sensors,
• research on human adaptation to the space environment.

4. Validation of Technologies in Real Microgravity Conditions

The laboratory validates microgravity simulation systems through:

• parabolic flights,
• suborbital experiments,
• satellite and orbital missions.

This enables comparison between laboratory-based simulation results and real space conditions while improving the accuracy and reliability of simulation technologies.

5. Technologies for the Space Biotech and Aerospace Sectors

The laboratory develops technologies supporting:

• biological life support systems,
• food production in space environments,
• autonomous biological systems for space habitats,
• bioengineering for lunar and Martian missions,
• biomedical sensing and astronaut monitoring,
• technologies for the space biotech industry.

6. Education and International Cooperation

The laboratory actively participates in:

• international scientific projects and research grants,
• ESA programs and cooperation with the space sector,
• education and training of students and PhD candidates,
• workshops and training programs in space biology,
• science outreach and promotion of space technologies.

The laboratory creates an environment enabling the implementation of space life sciences experiments from device design to technology validation in real microgravity conditions.

Vision of the Laboratory

The long-term goal of the Simulated Gravity Research Laboratory is to establish a leading center for space life sciences and gravitational technologies in Central and Eastern Europe, supporting the advancement of space biology, space medicine, and technologies for future orbital, lunar, and Martian missions.