Background

Zero gravity has been proven to cause various negative physiological effects during prolonged space flight. On Earth, gravity creates a hydro-static pressure gradient to promote blood flow in the lower extremities. However due to the lack of gravity, this pressure gradient ceases to exist. The conditions of zero gravity cause the fluid in the body and surrounding the brain to redistribute. This leads to excess inter cranial pressure which can lead to swelling of the eyes. There is also a lack of force loading on the body and over prolonged time, this can lead to muscular dystrophy.

Some of the current technology that is already out there include: LBNP box, Pingvin Exercise suit, Gravity Loading Countermeasure Skinsuit, DYNASUIT, Chibis Suit, Kentavr G-Suit and the American Flight Suit. Aside from the LBNP box and the Chibis suit, the other suits do not have any sort of LBNP aspect and are designed based on the loading of the musculoskeletal system as a way to preserve the astronauts body. To fully minimize the negative effects of microgravity, it is necessary to be exposed to lower body negative pressure and exercise.