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Russian Scientists Plan Simulated Mission to Mars

Posted by michael on from the stop-elbowing-me dept.

EzRag writes "According to this article in New Scientist, Russian scientists are preparing for a simulated mission to Mars, with six cosmonauts crammed into approx. 400 sq. meters for the length of the (simulated) journey. They'll bring with them all the food they'd need, and will recycle air and water. They will not, however, be exposed to simulated solar radition."

1 of 32 comments (clear)

  1. Bones and gravity by Red_Winestain · · Score: 4, Interesting
    They also won't get the effects of extended periods of weightlessness. One of the major problems of prolonged absence of gravity is a loss of bone density. Women lose bone density faster than men. In neither group does this effect reverse much. When the first people to Mars return, they won't be able to function on earth again: none of their bones will be strong enough.

    If you don't think this is a problem, check out the recent findings of bone density loss, especially in women, in peer-reviewed journals.