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New Scientist TV:

Born to be Viral: How to walk on Mars

MacGregor Campbell, consultant


The design is based on NASA lunar gravity simulators used before the Apollo moon landings to investigate how astronauts should safely move around in low gravity. They found that it was easier to bounce than walk.  Since mass and horizontal inertia are the same as on Earth, but the force pulling down is much less, you don't need to take as many steps to get around.

The gravity on Mars is a little more than twice that of the moon's, so Norton's device is inclined at a less extreme angle. He's investigating how this affects speed and endurance and the transition speed from walking to running.  So far, he found that it's easier to run and jump on the simulator than on the ground. "I think a long bounding stride will become the norm on Mars," says Norton.

The Mars gravity simulator was recently exhibited at the Awfully Wonderful: Science Fiction in Contemporary Art event in Sydney, Australia.

If you enjoyed this video, check out a simulator that can recreate powerful twisters or a device that simulates tsunamis.

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Hah! I recall reading years ago that the only efficient way for a human to move about on mars was to hop (like the astronauts on the moon). I'm glad to see that the truth is more dignified.


Looks like loads of fun, how can I get to Mars to give it a go?


Wouldn't a much bigger diameter and much higher tethering point be necessary? With this the ground is curved, distorting the trajectory, and the further you are from ground the more gravity pulls you; with a bigger diameter there would be less distortion and with higher tether pivot there would be less change in the effect of gravity with the same distance from the ground.

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