Wanted: Volunteers for simulated human trip to Mars. Must be able to spend 17 months in an isolation tank. Smokers or anyone with any addictions need not apply.
It sounds like a Russian version of Big Brother, but the European Space Agency (Esa) really is seeking 12 volunteers to spend 17 months in an isolation tank.
They will live in a research module measuring 550 cubic metres in an institute in Moscow, and their only contact with the outside world will be a radio link to "Earth" with a realistic delay of quite a few minutes.
The aim is to gain insight into human behaviour and group dynamics under the kinds of conditions astronauts would experience on a journey to Mars.The volunteers will experience many aspects of long-haul space travel, such as cramped conditions, a high workload, lack of privacy, and limited supplies, although weightlessness and radiation exposure aren't set to be on the agenda.
The volunteers will be put through a number of scenarios, such as a simulated launch, outward journey of up to 250 days, and an excursion on the Martian surface, followed by the return home.
The 500-day duration is close to the minimum estimated timescale needed for a human trip to Mars.
The Earthbound astronauts will have to deal with simulated emergencies and perhaps even real ones, although ESA says it will not put their lives in any unnecessary risk. They have made it quite clear, however, that once the experiment begins a very good reason will be needed to let anyone out of the module.
In all, 12 European volunteers will be needed. They must be aged 25-50, be in good health, have "high motivation" and stand up to 185cm tall. Smokers, or those with other addictions, to alcohol or illicit drugs, will be rejected.
Marc Heppener, of Esa's Science and Application Division, said the crewmembers would get paid 120 euros (80 pounds) a day.
A precursor 105-day study is scheduled to start by mid-2008, possibly followed by another 105-day study, before the full 520-day project begins in late 2008 or early 2009.
European scientists have been asked to submit proposals for experiments in the areas of psychology, medicine, physiology and mission operations.
To date there are no plans to televise the test or carry out evictions by public nomination.
22nd June 2007
