In December 1963, NASA technicians at Langley Research Center prepared a test subject for the Reduced Gravity Walking Simulator, an innovative device designed to simulate the Moon’s gravitational conditions by reducing a person’s weight to one-sixth of normal. On December 11, they aimed to study human movement—walking, jumping, and running—under lunar gravity, which was crucial for training Apollo astronauts. The simulator provided a realistic environment, allowing astronauts to practice tasks they would encounter on the Moon’s challenging terrain. Neil Armstrong, when recalling his lunar landing experience, noted the simulator’s effectiveness by stating it felt “like Langley,” highlighting its accuracy. This experiment played a significant role in preparing astronauts for the unique challenges of space exploration.
