.38g is WAY different from 0g. Artificial gravity studies are more useful.

enter the Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program. The venture is a highly student-driven initiative, combining the talents of three leading universities: MIT (lead group), the University of Washington in Seattle, and the University of Queensland, Australia.

The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program is a mission to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals. Data gleaned from the orbiting spacecraft would contribute to fundamental space biology, with the intent to advance the human exploration of space.

"One of the big questions is what level of artificial gravity would you need going to Mars," said Paul Wooster, program manager for the project, as well as research scientist in MIT's Space Systems Laboratory.

Wooster said the Mars Gravity Biosatellite would carry 15 mice into space, spin them up to create artificial gravity. To generate artificial gravity for the animals on board, the satellite will spin rapidly, making roughly one rotation every two seconds (34 revolutions per minute). This inward acceleration will simulate the force of gravity on the Martian surface - roughly one-third that of Earth.

The specimens would then return to Earth under parachute after five weeks of travel. "We what to see what effects can be found in their bones, muscles, and vestibular system,"