Horizontal Running on Moon Walls May Prevent Bone Density Loss in Space
I know, I know! We just got finished with out first mission back and we are already on another layover. But I promise this will be worth it! With my plan to take on longer, deep space missions, we will be out of the gravity well far longer than usual. That will negatively impact our health. I don’t want to be responsible for any of you losing bone density and never able to see your family back on Earth again.
Enter the Moon Wall! Yes, we are converting the gym to a moon wall, but don’t worry the HoloTiles will still be there for your entertainment. But you will be required to run several laps a day to maintain bone density.
What is a Moon Wall?
A Moon Wall, or M-Wall, is a simple contraption envisioned by researchers at the University of Milan. The wall is modeled after the Wall of Death in which dare-devil motorcyclists ride around the inside of the wall, high above the ground, and almost horizontal to the ground.
The researchers at the University of Milan are testing whether the same physics can be used with horizontal running. The theory is that the centrifugal movement created by speed and the circular motion is enough to generate g-force stress on the body to counteract the effects of bone density loss in space.
What does a Moon Wall mean for Space Life?
Research like this is so interesting. On the face of it, it seems like we are talking about bone density. But if you look more closely at the core, you can see hints at what life would really be like if we lived in space. In this case, a requirement to run 10 laps on the M-Wall everyday. I can imagine this would be written into a work contract (to cover the ship captain/owner from liability). Probably, seasonal (or those who sign on for a specific long haul space trip) would refuse to work for an agency that does not provide an M-wall and certified medical personnel. Unless they were very desperate.
What other luxuries that aren’t really luxuries would you demand on your space ship trip? Let me know in the comments!
Want to learn more about the Wall of Death experiments? Check out the links below.
Forget Moon Walking, Lunar Visitors. Try Horizontal Running. by Freda Kreier
Horizontal running inside circular wall of Moon settlements: a comprehensive countermeasure for low-gravity deconditioning? by A.E. Minetti et al.
Until next time! May Imagination Reign!
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