Simulated Mars mission under way in Moscow
Posted on: Wednesday, 1 April 2009, 12:48 CDT
Two European Space Agency and four Russian volunteers have embarked on a 105-day simulated mission to Mars to help prepare for such a real space trip.
The crew of six entered a dedicated isolation facility Tuesday in Moscow at the Institute of Biomedical Problems. Accompanying ESA participants Oliver Knickel and Cyrille Fournier are four Russian crewmembers: cosmonauts Oleg Artemyez and Sergei Ryazansky, Dr. Alexei Baranov and sports physiologist Alexei Shpakov.
While in the facility, the crew will experience all aspects of a mission to Mars, including launch, the outward journey, arrival at Mars and, after an excursion to the surface, the long journey home, ESA officials said. They will have to cope with simulated emergencies, as well as communication delays of as long as 20 minutes.
The ESA said the project is designed to assess the effects that isolation has on various psychological and physiological aspects, such as stress, hormone regulation and immunity, sleep quality, mood and the effectiveness of dietary supplements.
The 105-day study precedes a 520-day simulated mission to Mars, due to start late this year.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Officials, Volunteers Prepare For Mars Simulator Mission
- UK Residents Asked To Name Next ESA ISS Mission
- ESA Seeks Candidates for Simulated 'Missions to Mars'
- ESA's Cluster Mission Extended
- NASA Extends Mars Odyssey Orbiter Mission
- Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission Status
- 1st of Mars Rovers Finishes Mission
- BUSH: I'LL PUT MEN ON MARS ; Yanks plan mission to red planet and base on Moon
- ESA's SMART-1 Mission Ready to Fly
- Mars Rover Spirit Mission Status
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds