The outer space environment is not only harsh, but it also drains life force from astronauts in many ways.
In addition to challenges related to food and cosmic radiation, the extraterrestrial environment causes astronauts’ bones and muscles to deteriorate, leading to a decline in their health upon returning to Earth. The impact of space on human health is a significant factor preventing humanity from settling on other celestial bodies. Beyond radiation exposure, the weak gravitational force contributes to the gradual loss of muscle, bone, and even nerve cells in the human body over time.
The phenomenon of muscle and bone atrophy occurring in the outer space environment is known as “atrophy” – (Photo: Internet).
In an effort to address these challenges, researchers have discovered a new training method that helps astronauts maintain their physique while working on the Moon. Published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, this new research is particularly significant as countries are actively seeking ways to send scientists to the Moon.
To prevent this issue, scientists recommend that future Moon astronauts engage in increased running. Specifically, astronauts should participate in running several times a day on a unique apparatus that will likely be familiar to those who enjoy watching motorcycle stunt performances.
Astronauts training on the Wall of Death – (Video: The Guardian).
The scientific moniker of this device is “Wall of Death,” commonly used in motorcycle stunts. In the new experiment, a group of astronauts was suspended using bungee cords, running on the Wall of Death under simulated lunar gravity conditions.
The participants not only managed to run fast enough to stay on the wall but also generated a lateral force to counteract muscle and bone atrophy.
“I am extremely surprised that no one has tried this idea before,” said Alberto Minetti, a professor of physiology at the University of Milan. “This could be a suitable training method for the lunar environment.” This method is also easier to implement compared to constructing a centrifuge station like the Space Station in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Imaginary space station in the cinematic masterpiece 2001: A Space Odyssey – (Photo: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Stanley Kubrick Productions).
According to calculations by Professor Minetti and his colleagues, on Earth, it would be hard for a person to run on the Wall of Death without falling. However, in the weak gravitational conditions of the Moon, which is only 1/6 that of Earth, this activity becomes much easier. The research team found that an astronaut only needs to run at a speed of 12 km/h.
For the experiment, a crane with bungee cords lifted two researchers, allowing them to run on a 10-meter-wide Wall of Death; the elastic cords and crane helped simulate the Moon’s weak gravity.
Combined with data obtained from a treadmill, scientists concluded: running for just a few minutes on this apparatus twice a day, in the morning and evening, would create enough lateral force, or artificial gravity, to keep muscles and bones strong while preserving the motor nervous system from atrophy.
Instead of building such a wall on the Moon, future astronauts could run in a pre-built cylindrical outpost with flat walls, allowing for indoor training. This method is now viable, prompting researchers to continue questioning whether the Moon’s surface is spacious enough to construct such a multifunctional outpost.
