MoLo Project

Humanity is on the cusp of not only returning to the Moon but learning to live and work on its surface for extended periods, in preparation for future missions to Mars.

ESA aims to play a key role in human global exploration and so has partnered with KBR GmbH to coordinate a programme of work entitled Movement in Low Gravity (MoLo).

Multidisciplinary Approach

The MoLo programme leverages KBR’s network of academic and technical partners to promote key knowledge development, wearable biomedical device testing and advanced biomechanical modelling.

The integrated but multidisciplinary approach has utilised KBR's ability to access to several unique world-class facilities on Earth, in parabolic flight and on the International Space Station to generate data that is being used to understand the effect of hypogravity upon movement. This data is critical to inform development of Lunar simulations including the new LUNA facility in Cologne, to evaluate surface EVA suits, EVA tasks and future surface habitat ergonomics with Internatioanl Partners including NASA.

Molo is concurrently exploring approaches to enhance crew performance, minimize fall risk, and model expected changes in musculoskeletal and aerobic health during extended periods on the surface – predictions that are critical to define safe and productive sustained Lunar missions. These prediction models will be key to defining the need for exercise on the Moon but could also provide actionable insights for terrestrial healthcare in addition to athlete management and rehabilitation.

KBR's GmbH's instigation, leadership and coordination of the MoLo programme illustrates its ability to engage with global stakeholders, obtain access to, and utilise unique facilities and leverage the expertise of world-class partners to address complex challenges in the domain of human spaceflight. However, the insights, and approaches have a multitude of terrestrial applications.