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Related Experiment Videos

Locomotion while load-carrying in reduced gravities

L A Wickman1, B Luna

  • 1Lockheed-Martin Missiles & Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA, USA.

Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|October 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Astronauts can walk for 8 hours on the Moon carrying 170% of their body mass, but only 50% on Mars. Maintaining bone mass in reduced gravity requires supplemental measures beyond load-carrying.

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Area of Science:

  • Space exploration
  • Human physiology
  • Biomechanics

Background:

  • Planetary missions require astronauts to wear protective suits with portable life support systems (PLSS).
  • The mass of this equipment imposes significant energy demands on astronauts.
  • Understanding human physical capabilities during load-carrying in reduced gravity is crucial for designing effective extravehicular equipment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate human energy expenditure and physical capabilities while load-carrying in simulated reduced gravity.
  • To establish practical limits for load-carrying by astronauts on planetary surfaces like the Moon and Mars.
  • To assess the feasibility of maintaining bone mass through load-carrying alone in reduced gravity environments.

Main Methods:

  • Simulated reduced-gravity locomotion using an underwater treadmill and a weighting system.
  • Tested 6 subjects across 3 simulated gravity levels, 2 locomotion speeds, and various load sizes.
  • Measured oxygen consumption to calculate energy expenditure.

Main Results:

  • Energy expenditure significantly increases with higher gravity, speed, and load size.
  • Astronauts may walk for 8 hours on the Moon with up to 170% body mass load.
  • On Mars, astronauts are projected to carry only up to 50% of their body mass.
  • Calculated times to maintain bone mass via walking were found to be unattainably high.

Conclusions:

  • Load-carrying limits for planetary exploration, especially on Mars, present challenges for protective system design.
  • Current load-carrying capabilities may be insufficient for maintaining astronaut bone mass in reduced gravity.
  • A combination of load-carrying and additional bone maintenance strategies will likely be necessary for long-duration space missions.

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