Projects

Biomechanical Analysis for Enhancement of Lunar Surface Operations Modeling

Abstract

In an environment of gravity levels so low that the general orientation of the body can be easily altered, astronauts face enough challenges, and often training is necessary for preparation in such environments. From past lunar missions, it has been observed that there is the potential for astronauts to fall due to this alteration caused by the drop of gravity to about 17% of what Earth's gravity is, as humans can properly orient themselves with at least 15% of the gravitational force present on Earth. Due the increased struggle to maintain balance in addition to other factors such as lack of proper nutrition, muscle and bone lose, a shift in body fluid distribution, and inadequate amounts of sleeps, astronauts often struggle to complete tasks due to high fatigue levels, even with the amounts of countermeasures in place. In order to assess the feasibility of these lunar tasks, motion and force plate data can be collected using the Vicon Motion Capture system and analyzed for enhancement to avoid increased exhaustion. The motion capture system allows for a clear view of the body's mechanisms as different tasks such as walking, running, hopping, digging, lifting, and climbing stairs are completed.