Why a 340-day stay in orbit is just the beginning
In short: To reach Mars, humans must endure at least two years in deep space. But before we can build those ships, we have to understand how weightlessness rewires our bodies. NASA's one-year missions provide the blueprint for surviving the ultimate journey.
The primary goal of recent long-duration missions, such as the stay by NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko on the International Space Station (ISS), is to gather biomedical data on prolonged weightlessness. While a typical ISS stay lasts about six months, these specific missions lasted approximately 340 days. This extended duration is critical because a mission to Mars would require at least two years of travel in a zero-gravity environment. The mission was conducted on an orbital complex to gather valuable biomedical data. These findings will help formulate the planning for future deep space travel.
NASA researchers are investigating the human body from dozens of different angles, including changes to gene expression, vascular calcium, vision, bone density, and the neurovestibular system. A unique component of this research involved studying Scott Kelly alongside his identical twin brother, former astronaut Mark Kelly. By comparing the two, scientists aim to isolate how spaceflight affects the body at a genetic level. Researchers use a complement of research protocols called CIPHER to investigate these human body aspects. This work is part of the broader Artemis program goals.
The complexity of this research means that landing on Earth does not signal the end of the study. Scientists require data collected before, during, and after the flight to see long-term effects. For example, some studies involving Kelly and Kornienko required continued sample collection as late as September following their return. This rigorous longitudinal approach is essential because, as NASA's chief scientist for the ISS noted, the agency currently lacks the readiness to launch a Mars mission without first mitigating these known health risks. The study's scope includes assessing both physical and mental tolls on the crew. Experts emphasize that current technology is not yet ready for such a voyage.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: One Year Mission Crew Members Discuss Life and Research in Space
- Also: The Next One-Year Missions - NASA
- Also: Packing Lunches for Space: Scientists Talk Astronaut Health on 1-Year Mission | Space
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