Staying Fit on the Moon: ‘Wall of Death’ Workout Could Help Lunar Settlers Stay In Shape | Science & Technology Update
Recent research suggests that running around a ‘wall of death’ could help maintain astronaut health on the moon.
Scientists from the University of Milan conducted experiments where participants were tied to bungee cords to simulate lunar gravity and were asked to run around a ‘wall of death’, borrowed from an amusement park.
Participants had to run fast enough to prevent sliding down the wall, which is typically not possible on Earth. With the reduced gravity provided by the bungee cords, they were able to stick to the wall for multiple laps.
According to researcher Professor Alberto Minetti, the exercise was impactful enough that “just twice a day, for three or four laps” could help maintain astronauts’ muscles and bones on the moon.
“We were very surprised,” Professor Minetti added.
Astronaut exercise on the moon has been a concern due to the reduced gravity, resulting in their muscles bearing 83% less body weight than on Earth.
Without proper exercise, astronauts risk muscle atrophy and bone issues similar to osteoporosis. These issues are sometimes noticeable when astronauts return to Earth after spending time on the International Space Station, requiring assistance to stand or walk.
US astronaut Chris Cassidy is carried away upon landing in Kazakhstan after 166 days on the International Space Station. Pic: AP
Researchers Professor Minetti, Francesco Luciano, Valentina Natalucci, and Gaspare Pavei explored a cost-effective way to stay fit on the moon, with the ‘wall of death’ potentially being a practical solution.
Despite its unconventional shape on Earth, circular housing planned for the moon could accommodate the ‘wall of death’ workout, around the right diameter for the exercise, according to Professor Minetti.
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This setup would require minimal extra materials to be transported to the moon, as astronauts could simply run around the walls of their living spaces.
“There would be no need for extra electricity or space, and it would not disrupt astronauts’ work or other activities,” Professor Minetti explained.
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The Artemis mission, led by NASA, will involve establishing a permanent camp on the moon.
“Early missions will include short-surface stays, but as the base camp evolves, the goal is to allow crew to stay at the lunar surface for up to two months at a time,” according to NASA’s Artemis website.
Astronauts on the moon will work towards the first human mission to Mars and explore sustainable life on the lunar surface.
