Russia to simulate Mars voyage next year

MOSCOW: In a preparatory move for future voyage to the Red Planet, Russia will begin an experiment next year simulating human crew's journey to Mars.

"The experiment simulating the conditions of a manned flight to Mars is planned to begin in 2007. The Energia aerospace corporation and the Russian State Scientific-Research and Cosmonaut Training Test Centre have actively backed the plans", Anatoly Grigoriev of the Russian Institute of Medical and Biological Problems said.

Speaking at the 13th conference on Space Biology and Space Medicine here on Tuesday Grigoriev said a number of foreign nations were also taking keen interest in the Russian Mars experiment.

A crew of six research pilots, from various countries are to be picked on voluntary basis. During the simulated voyage to the Mars, functioning of life-sustaining devices and the psychological effects of living in confined spacecraft during the long flight would be studied.

The experiment also involve research in evolving new ways and means of providing medical assistance to the crew during the long space voyage, Radio Mayak said.