As we look further into the depths of space we also become more confident about how far we are willing to go out. Already we have landed on the moon and now we have set our eyes on a target that is much further out, Mars! The constant study of Mars’ terrain and atmosphere shows us that in the near distant future that we may very well be able to inhabit the planet and possibly other planets as well that match Earth. Traces of ice on Mars have given experts the confidence to officially begin training astronauts for a mission that could take over 500 days.
During this ‘Mars journey simulation training’ astronauts undergo different types of training that will prepare them both mentally and physically for the grueling cramped up days in store for their future. The training is taking place in Moscow with 6 astronauts. Two from Europe, three from Russia and just one from China. Their training begins with being secured into a model space shuttle only the size of a few buses put together, there they will eat endless amounts of astronaut food, participate in indoor exercises, take on maintenance work and science experiments, and train with make emergencies. For 520 days they will stay inside of this ‘vessel’ and learn how to mentally prepare their minds for the stresses of being isolated from the outside world.
This simulation training is very important because the astronauts will have to understand that during their mission there will be no resupplying and communications will have up to a 30 minute delay because of the distance from here to the red planet. As a part of their training currently orders are given through communications with a 20 minute delay in order to prepare for them for the weight between each transmission.
Currently no Americans are participating in the journey to Mars and to top it off, the Russians hold the record for the longest amount of time in space during one trip with just over a year. The longest time an American has spent in space was 215 days by Michael Lopez Alegria who reported that it was remarkably easy.
Sources:
‘Fake Mars Mission: “Real World” Meets Space Travel.’ By Nell Greenfieldboyce