Low gravity simulator

A low gravity simulator configured to place an object under a simulated low gravity force, the low gravity simulator comprising:

• a substantially vertically extending support column, wherein the support column comprises an air bearing;
• a boom, wherein the boom is mounted to the support column, and wherein the boom and the support column are rotatable about a vertical axis, wherein the boom extends longitudinally in a radial direction R from a proximal end of the boom and the boom extends horizontally from the proximal end to a distal end of the boom;
• a carriage, the carriage translatably mounted on the boom so that the carriage is, in use, movable backwards and forwards along the boom;
• a cable supported by the carriage and connectable at one end, in use, to the object;
• a counterweight attached to the cable at an opposing end to apply a biasing force to the cable, wherein the counterweight is restrained by the support column, and wherein the air bearing is configured to facilitate the motion of the counterweight with respect to the support column;
• a first tension member attached to the distal end of the boom at a first side of the boom, the first tension member providing a first vertical force component to the distal end of the boom;
• and
• a second tension member attached to the distal end of the boom at a second side of the boom, the second tension member providing a second vertical force component to the distal end of the boom,
• wherein the second side of the boom is opposite the first side of the boom.