Libby Jackson, the Exploration Science Manager of the UK Space Agency, says a space exercise machine invented in Teddington may offer a 'long term solution' to the exercise challenges faced by astronauts in space.

Her comments come as Teddington inventor and pilates instructor John Kennett prepares to test his pioneering 'jumping' machine via a series of zero-gravity flights in France.

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."

Jackson is also one of the few people to have experienced weightlessness during one of the trials.

"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."

The space expert cannot hide her excitement at the massive strides forward being made by the UK Space Agency as well as its important partnerships with the ESA (European Space Agency) and is equally enthusiastic about John Kennett's HIFIm invention – created at his Teddington pilates studio.

She says the current trials of John's HIFIm machine amount to a 'proof of concept' to check whether the kit is effective in the weightlessness environment as opposed to the small studio next to the Royal British Legion HQ in Teddington's High Street.

She describes the parabolic flight as similar to a transparent beach ball being kicked high in the air with a tennis ball floating around inside.

As well as the HIFIm trials, a team of scientists from Brighton University are testing 'heat pipes' on spacecraft and three student teams are analysing the use of smaller aircraft in space and the use of sails to slow down the speed of 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," Ms Jackson added. 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."

The UK's involvement in space has been fast-paced 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.

Prime Minister 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.

To read more about the Government's space strategy click here.