Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus are described for providing a reduced or modulated gravity environment in a land-based facility. The system includes the evaluation of terrain and man-made structures to support a vertical vehicle guide, the construction of a vehicle guide, the provision of a vehicle and a control system adapted to control a motion of the vehicle up and down along the vehicle guide with a specific velocity profile so as to produce a selected modulated gravity environment. The same apparatus can also be used as a vehicle launching method.

Abstract: A reinforced tarpaulin cover and a method for producing the same which includes reinforced regions for the later applied grommets. Edges have extra fabric or fill added as well as stressed crossings between the grommet sites during the weaving process. The cover can vary in shape from circular to polygonal. The strength of the fabric is increased without significantly increasing the weight of the cover. A rope can be added under a rolled over edge or hem for greater edge strength. The cover can be coated with a colored flexible plastic composition.