Abstract: Accurate estimation of penetration resistance during bucket foundation installation is critical, as underestimating this parameter may result in installation failure. To study the penetration resistance of bucket foundations in sand soil, a high-thrust penetration loading device adapted for high-gravity environments is developed. The centrifugal model tests are performed to investigate the penetration of bucket foundations in sand, focusing on the evolution of penetration resistance and the influences of wall thickness. The results demonstrate that the device effectively simulates penetration processes. The penetration resistance of bucket foundations increases nonlinearly with depth, and the growth rate accelerates progressively. The wall thickness significantly affects resistance: thicker walls lead to substantially higher penetration resistance. However, as the penetration depth increases, the resistance of a 7.5 cm-thick bucket approaches that of a 10 cm-thick bucket, suggesting that the sensitivity of penetration resistance to the wall thickness diminishes at greater depths. The test results can provide reference for the design and construction of bucket foundation and the further study on the penetration resistance of bucket foundations.