Preparing astronauts for future Martian missions

How astronauts are prepared for future Martian missions: simulating the gravity of the Red Planet.

To prepare astronauts for a mission to Mars, suspended systems are used to simulate Martian gravity, which is 38% of Earth’s gravity.

For example, if you weigh 70 kg (154 pounds) on Earth, on Mars your weight will be only 26.6 kg (57 pounds).

These systems help create a sense of lightness, where objects and the astronauts themselves seem much lighter.

This allows astronauts to adapt to the altered coordination and manipulation of objects.

Muscles and bones that are used to less strain begin to weaken, which can affect health.

Suspended systems allow these effects to be assessed and actions, such as collecting samples from the planet’s surface, to be practiced to minimize risks on real missions.