Russia is sealing these guys up for 520 days on a simulated mission to Mars. Last year four men participated in a similar experiment, lasting 105 days.
Long distance space travel poses several challenges. Radiation poisoning is a serious hazard. Zero gravity causes many health problems. And of course rescue could be impossible if there were to be a major malfunction on the craft.
Cabin fever could also take a psychological toll on the crew, so it's crucial that we learn what sorts of other issues may arise from this isolation before setting out on the real voyage... even though that voyage may be 20 or 30 years away. This simulation seeks to answer some of those questions.
Good luck, fellas.
dude in the middle of the bottom row looks like he's regretting this decision.
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