Mars, Image via WikipediaThe European Space Agency recognizes that for humans to venture further into space, we face many challenges and technical problems.But, how do we know what the issues will be without unnecessarily risking the lives of an entire team? After all, computer models can't predict what will happen when the computer malfunctions or when two astronauts hook up and change team dynamics.
Design Ref. Manned Mission to Mars, Ascent, NASA Image via Wikipedia
To look at these challenges, ESA selected an international crew of five from Russia, Italy(&Columbia), France and China to simulate a Mars Mission at a special facility near Moscow.The crew has simulated the entire trip, landing, walks on the surface, and the flight back. They were not able to recreate a lack of gravity nor the extra radiation astronauts are exposed to.
They also handled delayed communications, monotony, and a complete lack of daylight in their small, windowless chamber for 520 days! Yikes! Talk about seasonal affective disorder!
The crew has conducted experiments that will provide data to help determine what future space travelers will endure.
Aside from technology one of the biggest unknowns in space exploration is the behavior of humans confined in a small space under stressful conditions for an extended period. I don't think sub crews stay down 520 days.
Well the crew will be "returning to earth" on November 4.
After a quarantine period, the crew and scientists will meet the media at a press conference in Moscow.
