6.3 Gravity Issues, Mars-Suit and ERV Design.docVIP

6.3 Gravity Issues, Mars-Suit and ERV Design Sherri Spreadbury 6.3.1 Weightlessness In this section we discuss medical factors associated with prolonged weightlessness. The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions as well as the space shuttle flights have provided thousands of hours of experience on weightlessness. Some of the possible problems are the loss of calcium to the bones (0.5% loss total body calcium per month), muscle atrophy, decrease in metabolic efficiency, tissue dehydration, drop in volume of blood plasma (about 10% decrease), loss of blood vessels and nerve associations, shift in body fluids, etc.1 We can mollify the problems by employing artificial gravity. Even a partial g-load greatly reduces the risks due to weightlessness. Therefore, the Hab spins up to match the gravity of Mars on the way there. This also prepares the astronauts for the conditions that await them on the surface once they arrive. Then, over the seven-month trip back to Earth, the ERV (Earth Return Vehicle) spins up to 1g. This helps their bodies slowly readjust to match the living conditions back home. Adding artificial gravity is not the cure-all however. To maintain an acceptable state of health the Mars crew must maintain an appropriate atmosphere, adequate food supplies, hygiene facilities, exercise, and a proper balance between work and rest.1 While under reduced gravity it is more difficult for the body to absorb the nutrients needed from the provisions. This is due to the decrease in metabolic efficiency and therefore an increase in food intake is necessary. Increasing the number of meals eaten in a day and decreasing the individual content helps the body better absorb and process the food to achieve the sustenance needed. Exercise is extremely important in keeping muscle mass as well as slowing the decalcification process. Historical medical data leads us to believe that a long-term Mars mission is quite possible without any permanent long-term effects to t