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Author
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Topic: ESA calls for Mars volunteers
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eilisk
Member Posts: 100
From: London
Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 06-19-2007 05:59 AM
  
Hi allI came across this today...
http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMAJPXXV2F_index_0.html ESA is preparing for future human exploration missions to Mars. We are currently looking for volunteers to take part in a 520-day simulated Mars mission.
To go to Mars is still a dream and one of the last gigantic challenges. But one day some of us will be on precisely that journey to the Red Planet. A journey with no way out once the spaceship is on a direct path to Mars.
Challenges
These men and women will have to take care of themselves for almost two years during the roundtrip. Their survival is in their own hands, relying on the work of thousands of engineers and scientists back on Earth, who made such a mission possible.
The crew will experience extreme isolation and confinement. They will lose sight of planet Earth. A radio contact will take 40 minutes to travel to us and then back to the space explorers. A human mission to Mars is a bold vision for the time beyond the International Space Station. However, preparations have already started today. They are geared and committed to one goal: to send humans on an exploration mission to Mars, individuals who will live and work together in a spaceship for over 500 days.
Simulation
In order to investigate the human factors of such a mission ESA has teamed up with the Russian Institute of Biomedical Problems (IBMP) and will send a joint crew of six on a 520-day simulated mission to Mars. The simulation follows the mission profile of a real Mars mission, including a exploration phase on the surface of Mars. Nutrition will be identical to that provided on board the International Space Station. The simulations will take place here on Earth inside a special facility in Moscow. A precursor 105-day study is scheduled to start by mid-2008, possibly followed by another 105-day study, before the full 520-day study begins in late 2008 or early 2009. ESA is looking for 12 volunteers who are ready to participate in the simulations and thereby help to support the preparations of the real thing: a mission to Mars. Four volunteers will be needed for each of the three simulations. The selection procedure is similar to that of ESA astronauts, although there will be more emphasis on psychological factors and stress resistance than on physical fitness.
Interested?
For detailed information on this Call for Candidates and for the application form please refer to:
http://www.spaceflight.esa.int/callforcandidates
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AstronautBrian
Member Posts: 287
From: Louisiana
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 06-19-2007 08:40 AM
It sounds like fun, but I would get rejected. It doesn't take much to stress me out. Still, if I didn't have a family, I would apply!------------------
"I am sui generis; just leave it at that." - Huey P. Long
Edited by AstronautBrian |
Greggy_D
Member Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 06-19-2007 09:30 AM
This brings up a good point. Do you think they'll select single astronauts for the real Mars flights? After all, what parent wants to be away from their kids for almost two years? |
spaceman
Member Posts: 1104
From: Walsall, West Midlands, UK
Registered: Dec 2002
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posted 06-19-2007 09:49 AM
Hi, quote:
Originally posted by Greggy_D:
This brings up a good point. Do you think they'll select single astronauts for the real Mars flights? After all, what parent wants to be away from their kids for almost two years?
Sometimes tempting when they get to their teens.(Smiley) Nick
Spaceman |
tegwilym
Member Posts: 2331
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000
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posted 06-19-2007 12:44 PM
Funny...I got this email from two people today who thought about me.I don't think I could do it. I've been going nuts this year with our 6 month Seattle winter - where I CAN get outside, but put me in a can for 500+ days, I don't think I can do it. |
Greggy_D
Member Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 06-19-2007 12:48 PM
I would apply in a heartbeat, but there is NO WAY I could be away from my daughters that long. |
FutureAstronaut
Member Posts: 372
From:
Registered: Mar 2006
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posted 06-19-2007 12:57 PM
I would also apply in a heartbeat, to prove that I can do the real mission. Although, I don't think it would be good to miss most of the last 2 years of high school.  ------------------
Mike |
Greggy_D
Member Posts: 977
From: Michigan
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 06-19-2007 03:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by FutureAstronaut:
I would also apply in a heartbeat, to prove that I can do the real mission. Although, I don't think it would be good to miss most of the last 2 years of high school.
There's always Space Camp. 
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cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
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posted 06-20-2007 01:35 AM
This project just illustrates how far we are from sending anybody to Mars. From the pdf file describing the living quarters:
"The facility (total surface area: approximately 200m2) comprises:
- a medical module: it will accommodate up to 2 crewmembers in case of illness, and has equipment for routine medical and laboratory investigations
- living quarters with 6 individual compartments (each room approx. 3m2), a kitchen-dining room, living room and a toilet
- a Mars landing module, which will only be used during the 30 day Mars orbiting phase and
- a storage module containing food supplies, an experimental greenhouse, sauna and gymAm I the only who tries to imagine the kind of spaceship that will have to be built (and launched!) in order to carry such mission? Utopia here we come. Chris. |
Philip
Member Posts: 5952
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001
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posted 06-23-2007 02:46 PM
Well, I guess You're right as long as some countries have other priorities/options for their budgets :-( |
Frewi80
Member Posts: 120
From: Hawaii. Waipahu
Registered: Jun 2006
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posted 06-23-2007 03:49 PM
I applied, let's see what happens next.
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Frewi80
Member Posts: 120
From: Hawaii. Waipahu
Registered: Jun 2006
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posted 06-24-2007 04:13 PM
Aloha
I guess I was so exited and missed reading all the information.
My application was denied, it is restricted to ESA member states citizens.
O well, If NASA is planning to go to Mars or Titan I will apply again....So Philip go for it, you can take my place !!!!!
And thinking I was a Belgiun citizen a few years ago, damn.... Freddy
Edited by Frewi80
Edited by Frewi80 |
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