VGSS: Work With Us

VGSS is available for licensed research access by external science teams, space agencies, and commercial organisations worldwide. We welcome enquiries from academic researchers, space agencies, spaceflight hardware developers, and rehabilitation researchers.

How research access works

Access to VGSS is provided under a research licence agreement between your institution and Northumbria University. This covers use of the VGSS invention, the integrated measurement suite, and support from the VGSS team. All projects are developed collaboratively – we do not offer unstaffed access.

A typical access period includes:

• Pre-visit protocol design and remote preparation with the VGSS team
• On-site access, typically 3–10 days depending on project scope
• VGSS team support throughout all experimental sessions
• Full data collection using the integrated measurement suite
• Post-visit data review and, where agreed, co-authorship of publications

Access costs are bespoke and depend on project duration, measurement requirements, and team involvement. Please contact us to discuss your project.

ESA CORA-GBF pathway

VGSS is an officially listed ESA Ground-Based Facility. If you are based in an ESA member state, you may be able to access VGSS at no cost to your institution through ESA's Continuously Open Research Announcement for Ground-Based Facilities (CORA-GBF), which provides up to €75,000 per approved project to cover facility access costs.

The CORA-GBF is open continuously, and proposals can be submitted at any time through the ESA Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP). Proposals should reference VGSS as the requested facility and must address one or more of ESA's Explore2040 research priority themes.

We strongly encourage European science teams to contact us before submitting a proposal, as the VGSS team would be expected to complete the Facility section.  We can advise on research design, facility suitability, and how best to frame the application.

Research themes we are best placed to support

Based on our existing expertise and VGSS's measurement capabilities, we are particularly well placed to support research in:

• Exercise countermeasure development and pre-flight validation (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance)
• Locomotion, jumping, and mobility at lunar and Martian gravity (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance; Environments and Effects)
• EVA suit and mobility aid evaluation under partial gravity (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance; Habitation)
• Medical device validation under microgravity and partial gravity (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance)
• Musculoskeletal physiology, bone loading, and deconditioning countermeasures (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance)
• Blood flow restriction exercise in reduced gravity (Explore2040: Crew Health and Performance)

Visiting Northumbria

VGSS is located at Northumbria University in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. Newcastle is well connected by direct rail from London (approximately 2h 45m) and Edinburgh (approximately 1h 30m), and by air via Newcastle International Airport, with flights from major European hubs.

There is no on-site accommodation, but Northumbria University is located in the city centre and a range of hotels are within walking distance. We are happy to advise visiting researchers on accommodation options.

We regularly host visiting scholars from around the world for periods ranging from a few days to several months, and can provide letters of support for visa applications where required.

Frequently asked questions

Can we design our own experimental protocol?

 Yes. All projects are developed collaboratively. We will work with you to design a protocol that addresses your scientific questions within the capabilities of VGSS.

What data will we receive?

 All raw and processed data from your experimental sessions are shared with your team. We are happy to discuss data sharing and GDPR compliance arrangements as part of project planning.

Can we bring our own equipment?

Yes, subject to safety assessment and compatibility with the VGSS measurement environment. Please discuss your equipment requirements when you contact us.

Is VGSS available for commercial (non-academic) projects?

Yes. We work with space agencies, spaceflight hardware developers, and commercial organisations. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and the appropriate licensing arrangements.

What is the lead time for booking access?

This varies with demand. We recommend contacting us as early as possible. For ESA CORA-GBF proposals, please contact us as far in advance before submitting your application.

Contact

Professor Nick Caplan

Lead Inventor and Principal Investigator

Aerospace Medicine and Rehabilitation Laboratory, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

Email: nick.caplan@northumbria.ac.uk