Mars mission simulation "returns" to Earth after 520 days

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Oh, Mars. As a possible step that goes into human space exploration, the red planet is bound to be visited by us bipeds someday. So what is the best way to ensure that something does not go bad? Make a simulated 520-day mission with real astronauts and see how things turn out.

Mars 500, the mission of the European Space Agency was held in a Moscow institute, started 520 days before the June 3, 2010, with six astronauts to withstand the difficulties likely to be found in a real flight to Mars: The flight there, orbit insertion, landing, exploration of the planet, and finally the long flight back and landing on Earth.

The mission will cost $ 15 million dollars, but could not repeat all the aspects of a real flight to Mars (as low gravity constant), the crew conducted more than 100 experiments with limited consumption and communications with Earth artificially delayed and sometimes were interrupted.

According to ESA, the team of six international male astronauts have performed "exceptionally well" during the simulated flight. They will go through a series of tests, final reports and evaluations to early December, when the mission officially ends. ADS HERE