Since the early 1960s NASA has employed reduced gravity walking simulators and gravity-offload rigs to provide astronauts with training for movement in reduced gravity and micro-gravity environments. While we cannot reduce the actual gravitational pull of the mass beneath our feet, we can simulate to varying degrees of accuracy, the effect of a reduced or fully diminished field of gravity and how it affects our ability to maneuver across varied terrain.
Reduced gravity simulators were used in training the Apollo astronauts to learn how to walk on the Moon before arriving. They discovered that a “bunny hop” or skip was the most effective means of travel by foot as normal walking was impaired by the cumbersome nature of the massive pressure suits. Hollywood too uses gravity-offset rigs to simulate space walks, movement in micro-gravity, free-fall, and martial arts fights in which a powerful punch sends someone spinning through space.
Here are two examples of how NASA has used similar rigs for research and training:
NASA reduced gravity walking simulator
NASA ARGOS
The SAM Reduced Gravity Simulator (RGS) will enable visitors to SAM to experience reduced weight with or without donning a pressure suit. The SAM RGS will enable a user to walk in full 1g, 1/3g for Mars, 1/6g for the Moon, or anything in between. When combined with the pressure suits worn by visiting SAM crews, we anticipate a plethora of research and innovations to come from this advanced facility.
In addition, we will host experiential education programs for school-age students who desire to learn more about human space exploration. The result will be a breathtaking, memorable experience for learners of all ages.
Learn more about the SAM RGS in this recent post …