A UK space agency chief has heralded the work of a team from Richmond borough designed to revolutionise space flight fitness.

Libby Jackson, the Exploration Science Manager of the UK Space Agency, believes an exercise machine developed by John Kennett may offer a 'long term solution' to the exercise challenges faced by astronauts.

John, a former aircraft engineer and now a pilates expert, has developed a jumping machine that can be used in zero gravity and helps astronauts to minimise the loss of muscle and bone density.

The High Frequency Impulse for Microgravity (HIFIm) machine is being tested in zero gravity conditions on a converted aircraft in the skies over France this week.

John, who works out of a studio in Teddington, has been developing the astronaut fitness equipment in partnership with a team of strength, fitness and performance experts from St Mary's University, Twickenham.

Libby Jackson told Nub News: "John's exercise machine is very important in terms of supporting the vascular system and offering resistive exercise in a single and compact device.

"On a space station there may be a treadmill but going to the Moon or Mars there will simply not be enough room to take these and something like HIFIm may be the long term solution."

Libby is also one of the few people to have experienced weightlessness during aircraft trials where the plane performs a rollercoaster manoeuvre.

"The feeling of weightlessness is just like floating in a swimming pool. You feel your stomach going over in the same way you might when you go over a bump in the road and it stays down. It's a fantastic experience," she said.

Libby cannot hide her excitement at the massive strides forward being made by the UK Space Agency as well as its important partnerships with the European Space Agency).

She said the current trials of John's machine amount to a 'proof of concept' to check whether the kit is effective in the weightlessness environment.

A second team of scientists from Brighton University is testing 'heat pipes' on spacecraft. Separately, three student teams are analysing the use of smaller craft in space and the use of sails to slow down the speed of a space craft.

"We are really looking forward to seeing the results of these trials and discussing them with our partners at the European Space Agency. If that goes well and there is a positive outcome we could well see an actual trial in space. I am really excited to find out how the kit has performed in these conditions," she said.

The UK's involvement in space has been fast-tracked over the last few years with rocket bases planned for Scotland and Cornwall and nearly 45.000 people employed in the industry as space plays an increasing role in Britain's defence strategy.

Boris Johnson said recently: "The days of the UK space industry idling on the launch pad are over – this government has the Right Stuff, and this strategy marks the start of the countdown."

The new National Space Strategy plans to spend more than £6 billion over the next 10 years to strengthen the UK as a world class space nation.

Read more about the Government's space strategy here.