How would the lack of gravity affect humans on Mars?
Kathryn Answer: It has been found that humans in space lose bone mass at a rate of 1% per month in low gravity, and that muscles atrophy (weaken) throughout the body while in space, even the heart, which doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate blood in low gravity. This will be somewhat less of a concern on Mars itself since there is substantial surface gravity there, about 38% of Earth surface gravity, but it not clear whether humans will be able to adapt to Mars surface gravity unaided or whether new technology is required to help maintain proper bodily health. There is an interesting article on the European Space Agency website about health and low gravity here: http://www.esa.int/export/esaHS/ESA5361VMOC_future_0.
Kathryn Answer: It has been found that humans in space lose bone mass at a rate of 1% per month in low gravity, and that muscles atrophy (weaken) throughout the body while in space, even the heart, which doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate blood in low gravity. This will be somewhat less of a concern on Mars itself since there is substantial surface gravity there, about 38% of Earth surface gravity, but it not clear whether humans will be able to adapt to Mars surface gravity unaided or whether new technology is required to help maintain proper bodily health.
