Space is not just harsh; it actively saps astronauts in multiple ways.
Beyond the challenges of food and cosmic radiation, space also causes astronaut's bones and muscles to waste away, leaving them compromised when they return to Earth. The health effects of space may be a major barrier to long-term human habitation of other celestial bodies. In addition to radiation concerns, the reduced gravity causes muscles, bones, and even neurons to atrophy over time.
'Atrophy' Occurs When Bones and Muscles Break Down in Space (Photo: Internet)
In an effort to overcome this hurdle, researchers have devised a new exercise regimen to help astronauts keep fit while on the Moon. Published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the new findings could be key as nations race to put humans back on the Moon.
Running on the 'Wall of Death' Recommended for Moon-Bound Astronauts
To stave off these negative effects, scientists recommend that future Moon-bound astronauts take up running—specifically, running laps around a quirky contraption that frequenters of motorcycle stunt shows will be familiar with.
Astronauts Run on 'Wall of Death' (Video: The Guardian)
Known as the "Wall of Death" in the daredevil world of motorcycle stunts, the device was used in the new study to simulate lunar gravity as astronauts jogged around the cylindrical chamber suspended by bungee cords.
Not only were the subjects able to run quickly enough to stay upright against the wall's incline, but they also generated enough lateral force to counteract muscle and bone loss.
"I'm quite surprised that no one has tried this before," said Alberto Minetti, a professor of physiology at the University of Milan. "It could be a valid countermeasure [for the Moon]." It's certainly more straightforward than building a rotating lunar base like the one featured in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Minetti and his colleagues calculated that running on the Wall of Death would be impractical on Earth due to the stronger gravitational pull. But under the Moon's gravity, which is just one-sixth that of Earth's, the feat becomes much easier. According to the team, astronauts could run as slowly as 12 kilometers per hour.
Astronauts Ran on a 10-Meter 'Wall of Death' Suspended by Bungee Cords
For the experiment, two study participants were suspended from a crane by bungee cords and ran around a 10-meter-wide Wall of Death, with an elastic cord and the crane simulating the lower gravity of the Moon.
Combining the data with measurements from a treadmill, the researchers determined that just a few minutes of running on the device twice a day, morning and evening, would generate enough lateral force—simulated gravity, in effect—to keep muscles and bones strong and preserve motor neurons.
And rather than constructing a similar Wall on the Moon, future spacefarers could simply run inside a prefabricated cylindrical habitat featuring a flat wall, allowing them to work out indoors. With the feasibility of the method established, the researchers are now investigating whether the lunar surface is sufficiently level for such a multi-purpose habitat.
Summary
A new study has identified the "Wall of Death" as a potential exercise tool for astronauts on the Moon. Running on the cylindrical device could counteract bone and muscle loss caused by reduced gravity. The findings provide a potential solution to a major health challenge for future lunar missions.