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Pages

1Where is Mars?2How long will it take to get to Mars?3Getting to Mars4How do rockets get off the ground?5Producing Thrust6What happens when rocket fuel burns?7Your mission to Mars!8Our need for oxygen9How oxygen gets to our cells10The effects of gravity11How low gravity affects bones12Preventing bones and muscles from becoming weak13Living and working in space14What do astronomers know about Mars?15A space-craft view of Mars16Exploring Mars17Energy for exploration18The rocky surface of Mars19More about the surface of Mars20The Martian atmosphere21The importance of water22The water cycle on Earth23Is there water on Mars?24Surviving on Mars25Your Martian home26Farming on Mars27Soil on Mars28Plants for Mars29Getting energy on Mars30Where will you go next?

Practicals

1Modelling the solar system in the school yard2Rocket Practical3Investigate the Energy in Fuels4Making a Telescope5What factors affect the output of a solar cell?6Modelling Diffusion7Examining Slides of Blood8What bones are like without calcium salts9Flame Test to Identify Metals10The Different States of Water11Water Purification for Human Consumption12Factors Affecting Germination13Solar Cells for Devices14Mars Bingo
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A loss of bone salts (demineralisation) may not be a problem when you are still in outer space, but could be a big problem when you get to Mars, and certainly when you return to Earth.

Why would a loss of bone salts in a person cause them problems when they reach a planet such as Mars or Earth?
If our bones lose their salts they become weak. On a planet such as Mars or Earth, the force of gravity would act on us pulling us downwards, and without strong bones to keep us upright we would collapse!

When our bodies are weightless, our muscles don’t have to do much work to help us move. So they become smaller and weaker too.

When you're in your spacecraft, could you do anything to help keep your bones and muscles strong?
Find out in the research activity below!

Research Exercise

Watch the video, and then write a list of ways to keep bones and muscles strong when in space:

More Information!

Tim Peake ran the London marathon during April 2016 whilst he was living in the International Space Station.

Find Out More >