NASA has made a giant step toward its upcoming Moon missions by converting its 6.2 million-gallon Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) into a lunar surface replica, Futurism tells us in a report.
This facility will allow astronauts to train for future Moon missions by simulating one-sixth of Earth's gravity, just as it would be on the Moon.
NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
NASA explains that the facility is critical in preparing astronauts for spacewalks. Neutral buoyancy is an object's equal tendency to sink or float, and when achieved in the NBL, it allows astronauts to "hover" underwater, simulating the weightlessness experienced in space.
The NBL employs a combination of weights and flotation devices to achieve neutral buoyancy. This allows astronauts to practice tasks like repairing and maintaining equipment, testing hardware compatibility, and performing spacewalk procedures during flight, all of which are required for mission success.
While the sensation of weightlessness is not entirely replicated in the NBL, suited astronauts still feel weight due to the additional weight of their suits. Furthermore, water drag can make some tasks in the NBL more difficult than zero gravity, so trainers must be aware of and compensate for these differences.
The NBL, located in Houston, Texas, was previously used to train astronauts for extended stays on the International Space Station and Orion spacecraft recoveries. The transformation of the NBL will allow NASA's Artemis 3 mission to train its astronauts for their historic Moon landing later this decade.
Training Astronauts for Future Moon Missions
Clay Tomlinson, program manager at V2X, the company contracted to build the lunar replica, tells Gizmodo that sand that mimics lunar regolith will be installed to allow astronauts to traverse the environment and experience what it's like on the Moon.
Furthermore, the NBL will provide a simulated environment with boulders, sand, and the movement of the Sun to simulate the real thing. Astronauts will use weights and flotation devices to dive to a depth of 40 feet to experience a one-sixth gravity simulation.
Futurism tells us in the same report that future training at the facility will also include the Lunar Gateway, a space station that will serve as a stepping stone for astronauts on their way to the Moon's surface.
V2X expects to supply underwater simulations to an increasing number of private companies as more commercial space partners become involved.
According to Tomlinson, the current atmosphere at the NBL is exciting, with the entire center anticipating the exploration and new challenges ahead.
The development of the lunar replica will be a significant step forward in NASA's journey to the Moon, laying the groundwork for what could be one of the most historic missions in space history.
With the facility, the first astronauts to walk on the Moon in more than 50 years will know better what to expect when they finally set foot on the lunar surface.
Related Article: NASA Rhessi, 660-lb. Satellite, is Re-Entering the Planet with 'Low' Chances of Harming People
