NSSDCA ID: 1973-027A-32
Mission Name: SkylabThe body mass measurement experiment on Skylab was to demonstrate body mass measurement in a null gravity environment, validate threoretical behavior of this method, and support those medical experiments for which body mass measurements were a requirement. The data collected in support of M172 were -- preflight calibration of BMMD, and measurement of known masses up to 100 kg (220 lb) three times during each Skylab mission. The BMMD was also used for daily determination of the crewmen's weight, which was manually logged and voice recorded for subsequent telemetered transmission. The self-contained instrument consisted of a spring/flexure pivot mounted chair, the method of operation being similar to that for the small mass measurement (M074) (73-027A-26). A photo optical pickup was mounted beneath the chair to determine zero crossing, and its output was timed and converted to a direct mass readout.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
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Dr. William E. Thornton | Principal Investigator | NASA Johnson Space Center |