What every good Mars explorer needs – an exercise plan for the red planet.
At the Haughton-Mars Project on Devon Island, High Arctic, researchers there will be using a Made-in-USA handheld exerciser – a unique patented device that has resistance in two directions and does not need any external attachment points or gravity to work.
The Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) is a pioneering field research project in the extreme, Moon and Mars-like environment of Devon Island.
At the site, new concepts are being developed and tested by NASA and other space agencies for future space exploration. One such hardware evaluation involves the HMP’s Moon-1 and Mars-1 Humvee Rovers
These rovers support studies at NASA on the design and use of future pressurized vehicles for astronauts on the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Pressurized rovers – likened to sealed motor-homes — are vehicles in which astronauts would drive and live, work and sleep in a shirtsleeve environment – then go outside in spacesuits as needed.
But astronauts on long-duration drives on the Moon and Mars will be cooped up for days to weeks on end within the tight confines of their pressurized rovers. They will need an effective way to exercise and stay in shape.
In the summer of 2011, the HMP effort will be provided kinesthesic exerciser for training youth (KEFTY) equipment for testing. Exercise experts are also advising the Moon-1 and Mars-1 crewmembers on optimal use of the KEFTY portable gym system.
At only 4 lbs, KEFTY is lightweight, compact, adjustable, silent, smooth, exercises the entire body, and is easily taken apart for travel, including travel to Mars, says Nick Musachio, Kefty Company chief executive officer, based in St. Paul, Minneapolis and inventor of the device.
Explains planetary scientist, Pascal Lee, Director of the Haughton-Mars Project: “KEFTY combines key attributes that NASA would look for in an exerciser for spaceflight: it is effective, safe, lightweight, compact, easy to use, versatile, and affordable.”
The HMP is managed and operated by the Mars Institute at the NASA Research Park, Moffett Field, California.
The Mars Institute is an international, non-governmental, non-profit research organization dedicated to advancing the scientific study, exploration, and public understanding of Mars.
By LD/CSE