The Case for Human-Powered Vehicles (HPV's) on Mars

William Hensley
August 1999

	Four things that are clearly needed for Mars exploration are:  exercise, efficiency, environmentalism, and a wide demographic of support.  Human Powered Vehicles (HPV's) can help us with this.

	We'll need to keep in shape once we get there, since we will be dealing with 1/3 of earth's gravity.  What better way than bicycling, until water for swimming and organized sports arrive on Mars?

	The treadmill was what Shannon Lucid used on MIR, and she came back to Earth in top shape.  However, she didn't like doing it.  It was tedious.

	I propose that stationary cycling be set up in transit to Mars.  Upon landing, the same cycling setup could be taken from the spacecraft for stationary and rover use.  This would save some space, and improve efficiency overall, since muscle power can be used to generate electricity.

	On the spacecraft, a virtual onscreen display of Mars can be placed in front of the stationary cycle (a recumbent).  This could give a dress rehearsal to the astronauts for the time when they have placed the recumbent cycle inside the rover.

	Once inside the pressurized hull of the rover, connections would be made to generate and store electricity from muscle power.  Virtual reality would be employed again, gearing the speed of the motors to the rhythm of the cyclist.  This way, that special feeling that comes from being in tune with your cycle and thus, your environment, comes into play.  Ask any touring cyclist if they know what this means.

	Many more people understand the connection between bicycling and a healthy environment in the general sense.  The term "critical mass" has been coined here on earth.  It is in reference to the fact that there are way too many cars and trucks hurtling dangerously around, spewing out pollutants and chewing up our natural surroundings.

	Why not declare Mars a park from day one?  This would do two things:  One, show the world (and the solar system) that we want to do the right thing.  Two, seek out support of the new demographics - environmentalists, athletes and sports enthusiasts.

	Another important consideration - psychological security.  A lengthy stay on Mars will test the limits of compatibility.  This, even with a hand-picked crew.

	Studies have shown that people cycling together have improved feelings about themselves and communicate with each other very well.  On Mars, two stationary bikes could be positioned partly facing each other .  This way, the exercise and computability factors could both be measured in, for meetings and whatnot.

	A mix-and-match psychological strategy could be tossed in, too.  There would be just one stationary bike left in the housing unit while the rover was being used, for example.  Alone time is just as important as together time.

	All this while we're keeping in shape and powering up those batteries!

	For use in the future, I propose the Deja Tharsis Velodrome Dome and Recreation Center.  Can you imagine?  Bicycle races in 1/3 gravity?  Wow!  Say, and how about other sports, too?

	Human Powered Vehicles seem like a good fit for Mars, because they're a good fit for humans.  Let's make a good fit for both humans and Mars, with the connector being HPV!



William Hensley, a bicycle enthusiast and environmentalist, currently resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin.