Michelin is collaborating with NASA on a lunar wheel project to develop tires that can roll on the Moon [e88bba1c]. The project aims to create tires made with materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, radiation, and the challenging lunar terrain. Michelin has a history of supplying tires to NASA and has a 3D-printed prototype on display at the Cité des Sciences. This initiative represents a significant step in advancing lunar exploration and enabling future missions to the Moon.
Michelin is revealing the airless lunar wheel prototype it has produced to meet the tender brief of NASA's Artemis program at Le Mans 24 Hours 2024 [5708e4d8]. The objective of NASA's Artemis program is to explore the Moon's south pole, where no human has ever been, in order to acquire scientific data and search for water in the form of ice. The prototype is designed to meet the specific requirements of the Artemis program and demonstrates Michelin's commitment to supporting space exploration.
Researchers from the University of Milan have developed a unique exercise method tailored for future moon inhabitants to combat the detrimental effects of low-gravity environments on the human body [06ec4cf2]. The exercise regimen involves running inside a Wheel of Death, a structure commonly seen in circuses and theme parks on Earth. With the reduced gravity on the moon, humans may be able to run along the inside of the Wheel of Death without external support. To test the feasibility of running in the Wheel of Death on the moon, researchers conducted an experiment using a 9.4-meter wheel. Analysis of the participants' performance indicated that running in the Wheel of Death simulated conditions similar to running on Earth. The researchers propose that incorporating a few laps around the Wheel of Death into astronauts' daily routines on the moon could help prevent muscle atrophy and bone loss, thereby maintaining overall physical health. The development of innovative exercise methods tailored for lunar conditions highlights ongoing efforts to address the physiological challenges of space exploration, ensuring the well-being and performance of astronauts during extended missions beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Scientists have proposed the idea of "Horizontal running inside circular walls of Moon settlements" as a way to combat the adverse effects of low gravity on the moon [077aa97d]. This method exploits the moon's weaker gravity, allowing for activities that are impossible on Earth. Research indicates that this type of exercise could effectively preserve muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular health, and neural control. The article also discusses the concept of the Wall of Death (WoD), where humans can safely run horizontally in low-gravity conditions within a cylinder modeled after Earth's WoD, using speed to create a self-generated, higher artificial gravity. The researchers believe that this approach could help lunar astronauts manage the long-term effects of lunar gravity and maintain their health. They suggest that it could also be beneficial for preparing for longer space journeys and returning to Earth in a healthy condition.
NASA astronauts held moonwalk simulations in Arizona Desert for its Artemis III mission, which is slated to be launched in September 2026 [474b51e1]. The simulations were conducted as part of NASA's training mission to prepare astronauts for the challenges they will face during lunar exploration. The Arizona Desert provides a terrain that closely resembles the lunar surface, allowing astronauts to practice walking, collecting samples, and conducting experiments in conditions similar to those they will encounter on the Moon. The Artemis III mission aims to explore the Moon's south pole and gather scientific data, including the search for water in the form of ice. These moonwalk simulations in the Arizona Desert play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the Artemis III mission and advancing our understanding of the lunar environment.
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