By using an innovative ground-based analogue model, we are able to simulate a space mission including a trip to (0 g) and a stay on Mars (0.38 g) in rats. This model allows for a longitudinal assessment of the physiological changes occurring during the two hypo-gravitational stages of the mission.
Mortreux, M., Riveros, D., Bouxsein, M. L., Rutkove, S. B. Mimicking a Space Mission to Mars Using Hindlimb Unloading and Partial Weight Bearing in Rats. J. Vis. Exp. (146), e59327, doi:10.3791/59327 (2019).